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WISHART AND SWINNEY HELP LAUNCH THE ABERFELDY TARTAN

WISHART AND SWINNEY  HELP LAUNCH THE ABERFELDY TARTAN

Mr John Swinney,  Member of the Scottish Parliament for North Tayside and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and Mr Pete Wishart,  Member of Parliament for Perth and North Perthshire will be in Aberfeldy tomorrow  to help launch Aberfeldy’s new tartan.

Initially, it was designed for the ladies of the Aberfeldy Gaelic Choir, as their old skirts needed replacing. The choir had difficulty finding a local tartan which was suitable. The choir, along with others, set about designing their own tartan, finally settling on a traditional set of colours which they felt represented the local area.

Completed in 2008, the Aberfeldy tartan symbolises the economical and historical importance of the drovers’ tracks and General Wade’s 18th century road and bridge, the first ever to cross the River Tay. The blue, purple, green and black chosen for the tartan evoke the River Tay, the heather on the hills, and the strong association with the Black Watch Regiment, which first mustered in Aberfeldy in 1740. All the colours are tied together with a delicate white stripe, representing the prehistoric ley lines which course the surroundings and are said by many to be the reason for the area attracting a wealth of creativity and healing energy.

Commenting on the unveiling Mr Swinney said,

“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to help launch the new Aberfeldy Tartan.

“It is vital that, whilst we cherish our traditions, we also allow ourselves to move with the times. It would have been very easy for the women of the Gaelic Choir to retain their traditional colours, but they have taken steps to press ahead with a new design and add to their heritage.

“I am very pleased that they have taken Aberfeldy's history and location into account when deciding on the colours of the new tartan.”

Mr Wishart added:

““It is rare to find any textile, garment or accessory where the wearer’s desire to know of its meaning or background is stronger than it is with tartan. People like to know that their tartan means something, be it the clan whose tartan it is, or its association with a friend, mentor or place, and wear it with pride and honour.

“The Aberfeldy Tartan is heavily woven with significant historic and geographic symbolism and it is a honour to be at its launch.

“I have no doubt that people will embrace this beautiful new tartan and in the future we will see people wearing it on streets across Scotland and the world.”

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