Almost 7,000 tartan patterns are worn in Scotland today, while a few hundred of them have a connection with Scottish clans. In this minimum number of tribe-associated tartans, a few have multiple variations because of their adaptability and well-recognition in the Scottish diaspora. A prominent member of this list is the Buchanan tartan, which takes us back to the 11th century of Loch Almond. This discussion is meant to understand Buchanan tartan, explore its variation, and above all match accessories with this pattern. So, let’s begin our discussion with understanding the meanings hidden in this tartan.
Understanding the Buchanan Tartan
The Buchanan tartan is the identity of clan Buchanan which is not only the largest but also one of the oldest Scottish tribes. Everyone may be aware of the Jacobite Uprising, which resulted in the ban of Highland culture. When all the tartans and kilts were banned, surprisingly, the Buchanan tartan remained unaffected. Today. It exists in multiple versions with different colors, but white, green, navy blue, red, and yellow are still the identity of this certain pattern. Here is how these colors describe the nature of the clan.
- Green represents the Scottish Highlands.
- Blue symbolizes the sky and lochs.
- Black signifies strength and resilience.
- Red is often associated with courage.
- Yellow describes nobility and leadership within the clan.
Variations in Buchanan Tartan
A very few clan tartans are lucky enough to see an adaptability peak that the Buchanan tartan witnessed from the 18th century. It was the tenure when tartans were reassigned to clans after lifting the ban on Highland culture. Though its production remained in process for the military, it also became a public pattern.
Many factors contributed to the introduction of its different forms, such as the adaptation of different color schemes, historical errors in the original design, sett variations, and more. The overall number of its variations may be higher, but the most popular ones are given below:
- Buchanan Modern: It is the most common and widely used tartan falling in this family.
- Buchanan Ancient: This pattern is the ancient one, as the name reveals. It features a muted and faded look when we compare it to the modern version.
- Buchanan Hunting Modern: Useful for hunting, a camouflage-style tartan helps in hunting because of its greens and browns.
- Buchanan Hunting Ancient: A more faded version of the hunting tartan.
- Buchanan Weathered: A variation that aims to replicate the look of a tartan exposed to the elements, often with muted colors.
- Buchanan Dress: A lighter, brighter tartan, often featuring a red background.
- Buchanan Blue: A tartan with a strong blue presence.
- Buchanan Old Ancient: An older version of the ancient tartan.
- Buchanan Old Weathered: An older version of the weathered tartan.
- Buchanan Blue Dress: A variation of the dress tartan with a blue background.
- Buchanan Muted: A version with softened, muted colors.
Tips to Match Buchanan Tartan with Accessories
When it comes to matching Buchanan tartan with accessories, remember, there are two primary things to consider. The first one is matching or contrasting the shade properly, while the other one is making the right decision according to the event’s formality.
Sporran
Sporran, being a traditional part of the attire, serves as a practical and decorative ornament. It is attached over the kilt, which means choosing the right thing is essential. So, depending on the colors of tartan, you can choose a black or a brown sporran with silver flair. If choosing for a formal event, the one with animal fur would be the best option. Otherwise, a day sporran is a good choice as well.
Belt & Buckle
The value of a belt and buckle in kilt outfits is unquestionable, especially when pairing with Buchanan tartans, as both of them are traditional symbols. Usually black leather is preferred, but brown also suits this pattern. The buckle, on the other hand, should be original brass, silver, or pewter. Being traditional materials, they enhance the overall look of an outfit.
Kilt Hose & Flashes
Let’s discuss legwear now. What socks you should pair with Buchanan tartan kilts. You often have a couple of options. First, you can wear the same tartan hose (kilt socks), while the second option is to wear plain hose in earthy tones of light brown, khaki, or dusty brown. Choosing any of them from these completes your looks.
Ghillie Brogues
You often have multiple footwear options to pair, but the most authentic one is a pair of traditional kilt shoes or Ghillie Brogues depending on the occasion’s setting. They are especially made for Scottish Dress and strictly formal occasions. When choosing something for semi-formal events like Highland Games, clan gatherings, and cultural celebrations, dress shoes or leather shoes also complement Buchanan tartan.
Jacket & Waistcoat
No matter what the theme of the current event is, kilt jackets and waistcoats stay important in dress completion. Many jackets are worn with tartan kilts; Prince Charlie jackets are ideal for formal wear, while Argyll jackets suit semi-formal to formal (daytime) events. The most popular shades in both jackets are black and blue. Surprisingly, both colors make an excellent combination with Buchanan tartan.
Where to Buy Buchanan Accessories
Being one of the oldest Scottish patterns, Buchanan tartan has some special protocols. The most common consideration that Buchana tartan requires from you is to wear premium-quality fabric. To do so, you must approach a reliable store, and no one can compete with Irish Kilt Shop quality. Along with exceptional standards of fabric, we also propose our products at minimum rates. Most importantly, our inventory is not limited to the men’s kilts only, but we offer a wide range of Buchanan products.
FAQs About Buchanan Tartans
What occasions are most appropriate for wearing a Buchanan tartan kilt?
Burchanan kilts are suitable for different types of occasions and their appropriateness peaks at formal events because of their longer history. If we mention a few of them, they are weddings, clan gatherings, and cultural festivals such as Hogmanay, Christmas Eve, etc.
Is the Buchanan tartan considered too bold for formal events?
No, most of its patterns are not bold, while a few, such as modern and hunting variations, are considered bold because of the vibrancy in colors.
Are there Buchanan-specific crest badges or clan symbols I can wear?
Yes, Buchanan clansmen can wear a crest badge featuring the clan crest, a hand holding a ducal cap surrounded by a belted design with the motto “Clarior Hinc Honos.” This crest is common to spot at social gatherings.
Can children wear Buchanan tartan outfits, and what accessories are age-appropriate?
Days are gone when kilt outfits were specific to a single gender; now individuals from every age group can wear their clan outfits, whether they are babies or old men. Moreover, the number of accessories is almost the same as men’s.
