Tartans

Are you, your family or organisation keen to have its own tartan? We can advise you on any legal issues involved in naming and registering it

Individuals, businesses and other organisations from all over the world can have their own tartan, but there is strict criteria to met in order to register it.

Guidance on the legal issues

Many of the criteria relate to design, and you can check these with the Scottish Register of Tartans. There are also rules around naming a tartan, and we can support you on any legal issues involved with this – for example:

• Providing evidence of your authority to use a family, clan or trademarked corporate name
• Gathering evidence of your association with an existing tartan
• Liaising with the Scottish Register of Tartans on the use of titles or names such as territorial designations i.e. the specific meaning of the preposition ‘of’ when used in conjunction with land.

Navigating issues in Scots law that could affect your application. Equally, if you are concerned about another individual or organisation breaching these guidelines or their right to use a name in their tartan, we can help protect your interests.

Taking things further?

If you’re interested in connecting to other aspects of Scotland’s heritage – such as purchasing a barony or petitioning the Lyon Court for arms – we can also guide you through all the legal processes involved.