Tartan is often hailed as Scotland’s cultural icon, standing proudly alongside the timeless poetry and song of Robert Burns—known to us Scots as Rabbie. On Burns Night, these two symbols of Scottish heritage unite as we celebrate history, humour, and culture at Burns Suppers around the world.
Off down the rabbit warren of history, we wondered: did the Bard himself ever wear tartan? Conventional wisdom might suggest that as a Lowlander, he wouldn’t have—but history tells a different tale. Burns’ servant William Clark noted:
"Burns, when at home, usually wore a blue or drab long-tailed coat, corduroy breeches, dark-blue stockings, and cootikens(1). In cold weather, a black-and-white checked plaid."
Indeed, tartans—especially plaids—were common in Southern Scotland. Burns wore the Shepherd Tartan (or Border Tartan), a simple black-and-white check crafted from the wool of local sheep. His love for tartan even made its way into his work, like the lyrics of The Jolly Beggars: Love and Liberty:
"With his philibeg(2) an’ tartan plaid,
An’ guid claymore(3) down by his side,
The ladies’ hearts he did trepan,
My gallant, braw John Highlandman."
For this Burns Night, we’re shining a spotlight on Lowland Tartans—perfect for those with Scottish heritage south of the Highlands. Before the advent of clan tartans, all tartans were district-based, with colours derived from the local flora and fauna. Here are a few Lowland tartans to celebrate:
Ayrshire Tartan
Created to honour Ayrshire’s people, past and present—including the Bard himself. Co-designed by Provost Elizabeth Foulkes in 1999, this tartan represents the region’s landscape and history: green for its rural fields, gold for fertile farmland, blue for the Irish Sea, black for its coal seams, pale blue for Kyle and Cunningham districts, and purple for Carrick—the birthplace of Robert the Bruce. See the Ayrshire Tartan.
Berwickshire Tartan
Inspired by the former Coat of Arms of Berwick County Council, this tartan reflects Berwickshire’s rich heritage. Its colours echo the iconic River Tweed, with blue and purple symbolizing the region’s natural and historical ties. See the Berwickshire Tartan.
Borderlands Tartan
A collaborative design by artists and textile makers from Northumberland, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, and the Scottish Borders. Its colours capture the wild beauty of the hills and moorlands that bridge Scotland and England, celebrating a shared cultural bond that transcends borders. See the Borderlands Tartan.
Lanarkshire Tartan
Originally designed with Scout Associations from North and South Lanarkshire, this tartan reflects the region’s natural beauty. Green represents rolling hills, while blue symbolizes Scotland’s national hue. See our Lanarkshire Tartan.
Midlothian Tartan
The first tartan created by International Tartans, commissioned by Midlothian Council to honour the region’s heritage. The design reflects its people’s story and landscape, chosen in collaboration with local communities and leaders to inspire a sense of belonging. See our Midlothian Tartan.
Happy Burns Night to one and all! Whether you’re of Scots heritage or not, remember: we’re all Jock Tamson’s Bairns(4). Slàinte mhath!