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By Jennifer McAdam 07 Jan, 2019
Whilst we all acknowledge that the groom is the man of the hour, but just like every superhero needs their sidekick, every groom needs their best man! The role of best man is a great honour, and you will forever be remembered as a part of the biggest day in the grooms life; no pressure there then!
By Jennifer McAdam 17 Dec, 2018
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and synonymous with the celebration of the New Year, in the Scottish manner It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year’s Day, and in some cases right through to the 2nd January – Scottish Bank Holiday. The accurate origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances. Customs vary throughout Scotland, and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with special attention given to the first-foot - the first guest of the new year. This custom starts immediately after midnight, and involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour and often involves the giving of a symbolic gift, and is intended to bring all kinds of luck to the household. Food and drink are then given to the guests and celebrations may goon throughout the early hours of the morning or well into the next day. However, modern days see people visiting their friends and neighbours well into the middle of January.
By Jennifer McAdam 03 Dec, 2018
What is a Tartan Shoulder Plaid? A Shoulder Plaid is a piece of cloth draped over the wearers shoulder which can add a flash of grandeur to your Highland Outfit. Also known as a fly plaid, it generally measures approx. 1.5m x 1m and has fringed edges all around. A Shoulder Plaid can be worn at formal occasions when you are looking to stand out from the crowd. Often the Groom will add one to his Highland Outfit to make himself known on his special day! Tartan Shoulder Plaids are usually made in the matching tartan to the wearers Kilt. Plaids are also worn by Piper’s and members of Pipe bands.
By Jennifer McAdam 12 Nov, 2018
All over the world the kilt evokes emotion and interest more so than any other form of dress, it is therefore important to ensure you are properly dressed. One of the great beauties of highland dress is that fashions come and go but with a kilt you will always have an outfit that will never date, last a lifetime and is adaptable for any occasion the world over. To go with your kilt or tartan trousers, you'll need a jacket. There are many styles, fabrics, colours and specialist jackets available today, however the most popular that are available in hire and that most people purchase are : Bonnie Prince Charlie, Argyle and Tweed.
By Jennifer McAdam 01 Oct, 2018
Hand-fasting is an ancient tradition dating back to the Celts and is now experiencing a comeback at weddings across the globe. The history and tradition of hand-fasting is as varied as the source from which you research it. Here we explain a little of the origin of the ceremony and also a suggestion on incorporating it into your wedding today.
By Jennifer McAdam 18 Sep, 2018
Its all about the look of the back of your kilt
By Jennifer McAdam 20 Aug, 2018
Choosing a tartan is usually the first step in arranging outfits for your wedding or function, but it’s not always easy. Clan or Generic, Modern or Ancient here we explain the differences.
By Jennifer McAdam 09 Aug, 2018
Highland dress is one of the most distinctive and attractive national costumes in the world and has survived the passing of centuries with consummate ease. The basic elements of Highland dress - the kilt and sporran - have changed very little in over 300 years. Its just as likely to be seen today on Royalty, New York's Avenue or Sydney Harbour foreshore. Scotland only has a population of around 5 million so it is incredible that their cultural influence has had such far reaching effects. Today, many people worldwide bask in the warmth of their Scottish Ancestry. The kilt is a billboard that distinctly proclaims - "I'm a Scot" or perhaps "my great-granny was a Scot!" For whatever reason you chose to wear a kilt there is more than a little romance around a man in full Scottish regalia. If your groomsmen aren't as keen, let them wear suits, and don't think it detracts from you wearing a kilt, after all. its your wedding, and you are honoring your ancestry

Australian National Tartan

Jennifer McAdam • Sep 20, 2018

Is there an Australian National Tartan ?

Australian National Tartan

The Australian National Tartan is a stunning tartan designed with the colours of Australia's past and present in mind. Each thread colour and the thread count have been carefully created and woven into a tartan that truly represents our great nation.

Designed by Betty Johnston of the House of Tartan, Canberra, to be a national tartan for Australia, with permission to use the description 'national tartan for Australia' having been granted by the National Symbols Officer of the Protocol Department for Prime Minister and Cabinet on 22 March 2002.

RED, WHITE and BLUE :

These colours stem from our National flag and from the time that Captain James Cook first raised the flag (Union Jack) on Australian soil. The six white stripes represent the Southern Cross constellation, which is unique to this hemisphere. This also includes our Federation or Commonwealth Star. Red and White stripes represent the Red Cross of St George (England) on a white background.

WHITE :

White Diagonal cross represents St Andrews (Scotland) on a dark blue background.

RED :

Red Diagonal cross represents St Patrick (Ireland).

GREEN and GOLD :

Green and gold were formally proclaimed by the Australian Government as National colours in 1984 after many requests were made to have traditional sporting colours.

BLACK :

The Black stripes in the tartan represents Australian's early beginnings as a convict settlement- a dark area of our history.

By Jennifer McAdam 07 Jan, 2019
Whilst we all acknowledge that the groom is the man of the hour, but just like every superhero needs their sidekick, every groom needs their best man! The role of best man is a great honour, and you will forever be remembered as a part of the biggest day in the grooms life; no pressure there then!
By Jennifer McAdam 17 Dec, 2018
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and synonymous with the celebration of the New Year, in the Scottish manner It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year’s Day, and in some cases right through to the 2nd January – Scottish Bank Holiday. The accurate origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances. Customs vary throughout Scotland, and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with special attention given to the first-foot - the first guest of the new year. This custom starts immediately after midnight, and involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour and often involves the giving of a symbolic gift, and is intended to bring all kinds of luck to the household. Food and drink are then given to the guests and celebrations may goon throughout the early hours of the morning or well into the next day. However, modern days see people visiting their friends and neighbours well into the middle of January.
By Jennifer McAdam 03 Dec, 2018
What is a Tartan Shoulder Plaid? A Shoulder Plaid is a piece of cloth draped over the wearers shoulder which can add a flash of grandeur to your Highland Outfit. Also known as a fly plaid, it generally measures approx. 1.5m x 1m and has fringed edges all around. A Shoulder Plaid can be worn at formal occasions when you are looking to stand out from the crowd. Often the Groom will add one to his Highland Outfit to make himself known on his special day! Tartan Shoulder Plaids are usually made in the matching tartan to the wearers Kilt. Plaids are also worn by Piper’s and members of Pipe bands.
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