News: The Scottish Register of Tartans goes live

On Thursday 5 February 2009, The National Archives of Scotland (NAS) launched The Scottish Register of Tartans to promote and preserve information about registered tartans. The Register, which will be maintained by the NAS, will provide a focal point for tartan, its design and production and for genealogical research. Tartan, known throughout the world as a national symbol of Scotland, has now been officially recognised by the Parliament in Edinburgh. It has taken six years to complete the legislation establishing the Register with The Scottish Register of Tartan Act receiving Royal Assent in November 2008.

Working with the tartan industry in Scotland, the Register provides a springboard to promote the expertise, quality and value of the Scottish tartan industry. The statutory Register is available thanks to the support and co-operation of representatives from the Scottish tartan industry and enthusiasts who are united in their belief that this will consolidate the future of this unique resource. Data from the two existing private registers (the Scottish Tartans Authority and the Scottish Tartans World Register) has been amalgamated in the new Register. The Keeper of the Records of Scotland, George MacKenzie, is now also the Keeper of the Scottish Register of Tartans.

The Register will provide users with the opportunity to search its database for tartans already recorded and will also provide a registration service for recording new tartans. The Scottish Register of Tartans Act specifies the criteria which new tartans will be required to meet, and these official vetting procedures will promote and protect the status of registered tartans. A link to the Register is available under 'Other Websites' on the left hand side of the page.

As tartan plays an important role in the culture and identity of Scots, it is fitting that the new Register begins in the year of Scottish Homecoming 2009.