BLACK mobile logo

united states

Scotland-America tartan to celebrate 250 years of cultural ties

March 23, 2026

Heriot-Watt University in Scotland has been commissioned by the Scottish Government to create a commemorative tartan celebrating 250 years since America's Declaration of Independence. Design students at the university's Galashiels campus have submitted proposals, and five finalists have been selected from the competition. The winning design will become the official tartan for America250, the organization coordinating anniversary celebrations in the United States, and will be manufactured at a Scottish mill.

Who is affected

  • Students at Heriot-Watt University's school of textiles and design in Galashiels
  • The five shortlisted students: Grace Nicholls, Kaci McEwan, Elisabeth Fandke, Iris Morley, and Megan Beattie
  • America250 (the organization coordinating US anniversary events)
  • Lovat Mill in Hawick
  • The Scottish Government
  • The Scottish Tartan Authority

What action is being taken

  • Students from Heriot-Watt's school of textiles and design are submitting design ideas
  • The university is evaluating submissions based on specific criteria including historical and cultural relevance, creativity, originality, public appeal, and potential for ceremonial and commercial use

Why it matters

  • This project commemorates a significant milestone in American history while honoring the historical and cultural connections between Scotland and the United States. It acknowledges the important role Scottish immigrants played in shaping American history and demonstrates how these ties continue to thrive through trade, education, culture, and diaspora connections. The creation of an official commemorative tartan provides a lasting symbol of this interwoven relationship.

What's next

  • The winning design will be revealed in the summer
  • The design will be registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority as the official tartan of America250
  • The first run of the tartan will be produced at Lovat Mill in Hawick
  • The winning student will travel to Washington DC to present the tartan

Read full article from source: BBC