Lochcarron, The World's Leading Tartans Manufacturer

 

Summary

· The British Royal Family's Favorite Fashion Brand
· Scotland's Heritage Tartan

· The World's Leading Tartans Manufacturer, Lochcarron

In Scotland, one of the constituent countries of the United Kingdom, you can find distinctive attire. That's the traditional outfit and men's skirt called the 'Kilt.' Recently, there has been a place where the King of the United Kingdom, Charles III, visited while wearing a Kilt. Can you guess where Charles III went dressed in traditional attire? 

 

 

Chapter 1

Royal Fashion Brand 

In early July, King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited a fashion brand located near the Scottish border during the Royal Week (also known as Holyrood Week in Scotland). They visited Lochcarron of Scotland, renowned for producing the world's finest tartans. The purpose of their visit was to show support and appreciation for Lochcarron's long-standing commitment to preserving Scotland's tartan heritage. King Charles III, who has a strong interest in sustainability, praised and thanked Lochcarron for its craftsmanship and ethical manufacturing practices. 

*Royal Week: Also known as Holyrood Week, it is a week-long period when the British monarch visits Scotland and stays at the Holyrood Palace. 

The connection between the British royal family and Lochcarron is not new. Lochcarron has been collaborating with the Prince's Foundation, an educational charity established by King Charles III, even before his recent visit. They have been providing charitable items such as tartan scarves and blankets. Additionally, in 1990, Lochcarron welcomed a visit from Princess Anne, the Princess Royal and Charles III's sister. Following Princess Anne's visit, Lochcarron expanded its production facilities and extended its business to the United States and Canada. 

The affection of the British royal family for Lochcarron has been enduring for a long time. Queen Elizabeth II was famously fond of using Lochcarron's tartan knee blankets during her lifetime. Her son, Prince Andrew, once gifted her a cashmere blanket from Lochcarron as a Christmas present. Being recognized as a tartan heritage brand, Lochcarron holds great value in the eyes of the British royal family. 

 

 

Chapter 2
What is Tartan? 

What tartan receives direct visits and words of encouragement and praise from the British royal family? It is the iconic heritage cherished worldwide, dating back to the 16th century in Scotland – the 'Tartan.' Tartan is a pattern where horizontal and vertical stripes intersect in a criss-cross manner and can be composed of various colors. It differs from the check pattern made up of squares like a chessboard. The familiar pattern we know as the Burberry check should be called the Burberry tartan.  

 

 

Tartan, a heritage of Scotland, has been popular among famous families. Each family created its unique tartan, using colors and patterns that symbolized their identity. The 'Royal Stewart Tartan,' created by the Stewart dynasty, which established the first unified kingdom of Britain, is a notable example. This tartan is often seen in traditional attire like kilts and is frequently featured during Christmas, known for its vibrant red color. 

 

 

The popularity of tartan continues to this day. The renowned fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, created his own tartan, known as the 'McQueen Tartan,' featuring a combination of black and yellow on a red background. He repeatedly showcased this tartan on the runway. Burberry's iconic ivory tartan (Burberry check) and Ralph Lauren's 'Black Watch Tartan' are also consistently loved tartans. 

Chapter 3

200 Years of Tartan Artisans 

Tartan originated in the Scottish Highlands in the 1600s, using natural dyes from plants grown in the region, and was applied to wool. Lochcarron of Scotland is a brand that has persisted with this traditional production method for over 200 years, creating tartans. 

Since 1892, Lochcarron has woven more than 500 authentic tartans. They prioritize sustainability and maintain eco-friendly and ethical manufacturing processes. They source superior yarn globally and use natural fibers and wool to create the highest quality tartans. Their wool comes from pure-breed Cheviot and Romney Marsh sheep, both of which are native to the northern hills of Northumberland and the Scottish border. 

 

*Yarn: Unprocessed thread in its natural state, without bleaching, dyeing, or any other treatment

*Cheviot: A white-faced sheep breed found in various hills of Northumberland and the Scottish border

*Romney Marsh: A long-wool sheep breed recognized in the UK in the 1800s

Lochcarron is not just a fabric manufacturing company. It is a fashion brand that produces various fashion accessories and traditional Scottish attire, including scarves, ties, handbags, and kilts, using high-quality tartan. Many celebrities and VIPs have their traditional attire made by Lochcarron for official events. In 2011, it expanded its business into the Asian and global markets after being acquired by E-Land. 

"And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life."
Charles III, King of the United Kingdom

The quote is from King Charles III's first speech after his accession to the throne in 2022. It highlights the king's inclusivity and willingness to serve with love, regardless of people's backgrounds. E-Land has operated as a time-honored European brand, maintaining their craftsmanship and preserving brand heritage. Their efforts to uphold and conserve valuable heritage will continue in any territory around the world, regardless of backgrounds.