Scotland's oldest surviving tartan cloth dates to the 16th century

Scotland's oldest surviving tartan cloth dates to the 16th century. Known as the Glen Affric tartan, the scrap of cloth was found in a peat bog in the Highlands 40 years ago, and has now been radiocarbon dated, suggesting a high confidence of its creation between 1500 and 1600. The cloth was likely part of a garment worn by a labourer, and pre-dates the 'Sir Walter Scottish' era of tartan, when the modern rules were somewhat invented as to who was entitled to wear a tartan and when.

The cloth will go on display to the public at the V&A Dundee design museum, from April 1st until January 14th 2024.

For more on the story, visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-65081312 and https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails?ref=1402.

Chris

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