Strictly speaking, the convention is that Lowland and Border Clans did not necessarily possess such a thing as a tartan, but wore a version of plaid, woven in whatever colours were handy at the time.
The same could be said of the Highland Clans but, during the Victorian era when there was a strong revival and interest in Scotland and all things Scottish, this was combined with the raising of the various Scottish Regiments at the time.
Reading Sir Walter Scott’s books of that era gives an immediate feel to the essence and drive of the Scottish revival. Tartan became and continues to be fashionable. Tartan is now not only identified with individual Clans and Families across Scotland but also regarded as the National Dress when made up into the famous Scottish Kilt.
The Irving & Irvine Tartans
There are two Clan/Family tartans formally registered with The Scottish Register of Tartans in Edinburgh . The other Irvine and Irving tartans are formally registered as Personal only.
There is the ‘Irvine’ tartan which is not affiliated with any particular Clan or Family and can be worn by Irvines & Irvings worldwide diaspora.
The ‘Irving of Bonshaw’ tartan is for all those individuals and families affiliated with the Old Scots Border Clan of the Irvings & Irvines.
Both are attractive tartans to wear, easy on the eye and both look just as excellent in formal or day wear, so our view is that if you like them then why not wear either or both of these tartans.
The Irving of Bonshaw Tartan
The ‘Irving of Bonshaw’ tartan pre-dates all other tartans registered for the Irvings & Irvines in the Borders and Lowlands of Scotland.
It is similar to the Clan Irvine generic tartan with dark blue and dark yellow instead of the black and white lines.
The cloth is woven by the renowned weavers and tweed specialists Lochcarron Of Scotland on their premises at Waverley Mill, Selkirk.
There are two cloth weights woven 13oz medium and 10oz light both of 100% worsted wool in composition and dyed using ancient colours. Kinloch Anderson of Leith stock the tartan for purchase and can be ordered direct through irvings@clanirving.com on this website.