regshoe

I have to say, I do wonder at the whole recoginising-the-Cameron-tartan thing, as the concept of clan tartans is a semi-fictionalised Victorian concept (damned Sobieski Stuarts), although it's entirely possible that he recognises it on the basis of it being like the one he wore earlier (Keith in a kilt is still the funniest part of the book).

I am just now reading (or browsing, really) History of Everyday Life in Scotland, 1600 to 1800 by Foyster and Whatley (2010) and they say: Another impact of empire on the clothing of the Scots was seen in the formalisation of clan tartans, which evolved in conjunction with the militarisation of the Highlands post-1745 and the empire service of so many Highland regiments. Regimental tartans with their clan associations had become fashion fabrics by the later 18th century, worn by men and women alike and spawning a modern manufacturing industry.

Which is interesting! And I remember reading about the Black Watch even before the '45, and the 'dark government tartan' that they wore, so it seems that military use was standardizing tartans even before the '45. Although of course that isn't a clan tartan.