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Just like many good things, tartan has been around for quite some time. But what are some of the milestones you should know about? Join McCalls on this journey through the checks and setts of history and see how this fabric has created some seriously fashionable moments…   A triumphant return A massive moment for the development of tartan, it was the visit of King George IV to Scotland that would act as a major reintroduction to highlandwear, not just for Scots but equally for a bigger audience. As many will know from their history classes, before the 1782 repeal of the Dress Act, it had been illegal for civilians to wear highlandwear for almost 40 years. But as the years passed after the repeal, traditional Scottish culture became fashionable and as the king arrived in Scotland in August 1822, there was a tartan boom. Aided by Sir Walter Scott and his Edinburgh pageants, tartan was back on the scene and kilts were worn by both lowland nobility and proud highlanders.   The tartan-donning master that served haggis… Throughout the times after the pompous return to Scotland by George IV, tartan has kept its role as a vital part of Scottish identity. Not just a strong force of representation for Scots, British royalty also kept up their love for the fabric and most prominent was perhaps the affection that Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert held for the look. But outside Balmoral Castle and jumping about a century forward after the reign of Queen Victoria, we saw tartan take centre-stage across the pond. When Scottish golfer Sandy Lyle birdied the final hole at the Masters Tournament in 1988, he became the first British winner at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA. This not only meant he could decide to serve Haggis to his fellow champions but his celebratory dinner also meant he got to pair a kilt with his new green Masters jacket, a move that made both tartan lovers and golf aficionados collectively excited.   ‘Haute Couture’ makes its mark Golfers may have been donning kilts and tweed since their sport’s infancy, but off the greens of the golf courses, tartan became a regular occurrence on catwalks in the late 1980s. Perhaps most recognisable among the designers enamoured by the fabric, was the late Dame Vivienne Westwood. She not only used influences from bonnie Scotland’s history, but also had Scottish weavers help her create new registered tartans. Vivienne Westwood also entrusted the mills of Lochcarron of Scotland to weave high-quality tartan for show stopping looks, just like us at McCalls still do today.   Iconic moments for your big day Now going into the 21st century, tartan is more visible than ever and with the love for the designs spanning worldwide, today we see it styled in many different ways. At McCalls, we have continued to pave the way for tartan, its development and of course its accessibility. That is why we created our very own tartan range in the 1990s and these designs have been customer favourites since day one! Whether it is the iconic Granite Pride or the traditional Highland Pride, the now 15 different exclusive designs are available for anyone to wear and love as a hire, a purchase or a bespoke item. Never forgetting the moment when the newest look was unveiled on the catwalk at The Scottish Wedding Show in Glasgow, we are already seeing the popularity of the Weathered Pride tartan.   Get your own piece of fashion history with McCalls today! We are always happy to help and with our seven stores across Scotland and the extensive online shop, McCalls is the name you can trust for your highlandwear needs.

Christmas is upon us and so is the time of gift shopping which can be both daunting and exciting… To help you make this holiday season a breeze, we at McCalls have compiled the ultimate guide to the presents your dear ones will love.   Starting off with the gifts for your life’s leading ladies, we list the best items for her! For example, why should the guys get all the highlandwear goodness? Give her a classic midi kilt this Christmas- a fun yet still traditional piece of clothing that will have her embracing the Scottish culture in her personal style. Midi Kilts From £155     Or, let her keep cosy in style this winter with a stylish and warming scarf. This particular one has a stunning pop of colour that will put a smile on her face and keep her fashionable all throughout the colder months of spring too… Wanting to offer her some more style points? Upgrade to a beautiful serape, like this amazing Auld Scotland tartan one! Scarves from £19.50 Serapes from £125     For the woman in your life with the warmest of hearts, help her keep the heat during winter with a beautifully patterned blanket! We love this one featuring the Black Watch tartan and as it’s made of 100% soft lambwool, she’ll happily be cuddling up with this all throughout the chillier months. Blankets from £95     Finally, help the busy bee you love start the year off on an organised note with a striking yet practical purse. No more losing cards or scrambling around a packed bag for coins, she’ll appreciate this tidying accessory when going about her everyday life. Purses from £13.50     Moving on from your lovely ladies, gone are the days of struggling to buy the perfect gift for the guy who has it all. With our handsome trews, you’ll help him look his best at the upcoming year’s occasions.     Our off-the-peg variants are the perfect gift as they don’t require fittings or waiting times! For example with a pair of Modern Pride tartan trews wrapped up in a soft present, you’ll be giving him the gift of style. Trews from £180     Speaking of fashionable choices, keep the man in your life looking dapper and smart with a handsome wool tie from our Pride of Scotland range. One fan-favourite is the ever-classic Silver Pride design. Great for a muted look while still offering a funky pop of red! Tartan Ties from £25     Wanting to really treat the special Mr you adore? How about giving him the accessory of his dreams this holiday season with a stunning Black Pony Dress Sporran! While on the subject of classic highlandwear accessories, have your guy start off the year as strong and proud as a rampant lion with this handsome kilt pin. Dress Sporrans from £135 Kilt Pins from £15     And, last but definitely not least, keep him hydrated and stylishly on point with a cool hip flask! We especially love the Granite Pride tartan clad one… Even better, it comes presented in a perfect wooden gift box! Hip Flasks from £15     We hope you feel inspired and ready for giving all your favourite people the beautiful gifts you know they’ll love! Find all the items mentioned here and even more on our online shop!