Scotland has hit a landmark moment in its textile heritage as the Scottish Register of Tartans records its ten thousandth unique design.
The milestone tartan, named 131 Argyle, comes not from a Highland clan but from the Diocesan Boys’ School in Hong Kong.
Woven to honour the school’s proud legacy dating back to 1869, the 131 Argyle tartan bridges continents with colour and tradition.
It joins a striking collection of new designs added in the past year, each thread telling its own story.
Among them is the Rangers F.C. tartan, stitched into history for one of Glasgow’s most famous football clubs.
Football fans aren’t alone in embracing tartan, with the sport inspiring dozens of registrations over the years.
From royal roots comes the Balmoral Glen Gelder tartan, crafted on behalf of His Majesty The King’s Aberdeenshire estate.
It evokes the quiet strength of the Highlands and honours the royal connection to Scotland’s natural beauty.
Edinburgh’s history gets its own thread with the Edinburgh 900 tartan, commemorating nine centuries of the capital’s story.
One of the most poignant additions is the Witches of Scotland tartan, a remembrance of those persecuted under the Witchcraft Act.
Each new tartan design is more than just pattern and palette – it’s personal, political, poetic and proud.
The Scottish Register of Tartans is carefully managed by National Records of Scotland to ensure each design is original and meaningful.
Since its creation by the Scottish Parliament in 2008, the register has grown into a living library of woven identity.
Hundreds of new tartans are added each year, covering everything from family legacies to television shows.
NRS Chief Executive Alison Byrne reflected on the moment with pride.
“Registering our ten thousandth design shows the global passion for tartan and the desire to preserve these designs as part of the cultural record.”
She also highlighted that you don’t need to be Scottish to be part of the story.
Anyone, anywhere, can register a tartan – all you need is a unique design and a sense of connection.
If you’re curious about what tartan might represent you, there’s an entire database waiting to be explored.
More than 10,000 registered tartans now form a rich digital tapestry of heritage, creativity and identity.
Scotland’s tartan tradition is no longer just wrapped around kilts – it’s wrapped around the world.
