Witches Tartan Collection is Scotland's Newest Tartan Fabric.

More Than a Pattern. A Long-Overdue Apology.
Witches Tartan is the newest Scotland woven tartan, and probably its most historically important. This is not a clan or royal tartan. It was designed as an intentional commemoration – a belated apology for the thousands of Scots, mostly women, who were accused, persecuted and executed during the 200-year period of the Witchcraft Act from 1563 to 1736.

One of the darkest injustices in the law to be perpetrated on Scottish soil was driven by fear and superstition for almost two hundred years. More than 4,000 people were accused of witchcraft during the time period and an estimated 2,500 were killed. A system that provided none of them with any protection or justice, most were everyday women: healers, midwives, elderly, and the vulnerable. The Witches Tartan is there to remind us of their history and keep them from being forgotten.

The story of the Tartan of the Witches

In Scotland, with the Witchcraft Act of 1563 witchcraft became a capital offence, launching almost 175 years of persecution. Witch-hunting peaked in Scotland around this time, with a higher prosecution rate than any other country in Europe. Most on trial were powerless people, with a large number of the victims being women, who were subjected to torture, forced confession and death.

In 2022, a National Day of public recognition of the Scottish Parliament – a formal pardon was granted to all those who were convicted under the Witchcraft Act. The Witches Tartan was conceived in the same manner, in a physical, permanent, and wearable way, an apology. It is Scotland's newest tartan and in every thread it has the burden of real history.

The meaning behind the colours

All of the colors in the Witches Tartan were selected purposefully and historically.

Black is the colour of sorrow for the accused. It is a comment on the blackness of injustice, the sadness of family broken, and the lingering consequences of injustice over the generations.

Grey is the color of ashes of the burned. It is a sacred and lasting memorial to the lives destroyed by flames kindled in the fear and ignorance and limitless power.

Red is the color of the blood of the innocent. It is a reminder for us that every accusation was a real person and a daughter and a mother and a neighbour and a member of a community, deserving of protection and not given.

These three colours combine to create a stunning, unsettling and unmissable tartan. This is exactly what they want.

A Tribute Woven in Wool

The Witches Tartan is a simple yet poignant way to remember. We recall, we recognise the injustice, and we will not let those stories be lost from a people's memory.

This tartan is also available in our premium acrylic wool fabric, which has been selected for being durable, colour rich and comfortable. A kilt, a utility kilt, a sash, a throw or a full Highland outfit, the Witches Tartan fabric will give both impact and substance to your outfit.

Why Choose the Witches Tartan from Our Collection

The newest recognised officially tartan in Scotland has a story which no other pattern can tell. The Witches Tartan means more than just a fabric; it is a symbol of Scotland.The Witches Tartan is not just a piece of fabric, it is a symbol of Scotland. You have the opportunity to transport living Scottish history.

Our Witches Tartan collection is made with high quality acrylic wool and has a rich vibrant finish that will retain the colour wash after wash. Fabric can be used for a variety of traditional and modern Scottish outfits and accessories. We sell cloth by the yard and minimum order $10 yards, also full custom cloths made to your exact measurements.

The craftsmanship and care that Scottish Kilt Tailor is known for is applied to each order. Whether it's for yourself, a gift that will bring a festive touch to your life, or for anyone who loves Scotland, and needs to order fabric by the roll in bulk, we're here to help you make the right call.

Product Details

Special features: High quality acrylic wool fiber material

The plant has a black, grey and red colour.

Min Order Fabric: 10 Yards.

As: Fabric by the yard, Utility kilt, Traditional kilt, Sash, Throw, Highland dress.

Customisation: Made to measure and custom weave available

Dispatch: Ships everywhere!

Care Instructions

Best long term results is accomplished by a dry clean. The fabric also can be hand washed gently with care. To ensure the depth of black, grey and red tones, keep away from direct sunlight and heat in a cool and dry place. To prevent damage to fabric structure and finish, apply iron on low heat setting and use pressing cloth during ironing.