Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has unveiled a new tartan collection.

The public body said the new collection is inspired by "the dramatic Highlands landscape".

Featuring a bespoke design by local tartan mill, Prickly Thistle, and woven by Lochcarron of Scotland, the collection pays homage to Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness.

Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart Castle has a turbulent history, with control passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence.

Now, managed by HES, Urquhart Castle’s iconic ruins remain, offering visitors a glimpse into medieval times and the lives of its noble residents.


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The new Urquhart Castle tartan retail range will be sold online and at the castle gift shop.

Natasha Troitino, Head of Retail at HES added: “As we continue to evolve our luxury retail offering, we’re delighted to present this exclusive tartan range that we feel perfectly encapsulates the essence of Urquhart Castle and it’s beautiful surroundings.

“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Prickly Thistle and Lochcarron to bring the sustainable range to life over the past months. We know that fashion lovers in Scotland and beyond will appreciate the quality and detail of this wonderful collection which is sure to elevate any wardrobe with a piece of Highland heritage.”

Speaking about the Urquhart Castle commission, Clare Campbell, Founder of Prickly Thistle, said: “We have loved working with the team at Historic Environment Scotland, who commissioned us to design this new tartan for an iconic building that belongs to a region we call home.  We started working on this design a few years ago and during the process we learned so much more about the history of Urquhart Castle. 

“Designing tartans for historic buildings is truly an honour, given that historically tartans were largely created as forms of identity for places opposed to specific people, known as district tartans. The Highlands played a pivotal role in tartan history, and its exciting to think that it will grow once again for the future.  Especially when organisations like HES support local makers across the country for what has become a cherished national icon.”