Military Tartans and Regimental Plaids
The Black Watch
The Black Watch tartan is the most famous military tartan. The Black Watch regiment, formed in 1725 to police the Scottish Highlands, wore a dark blue and green tartan that distinguished them from the red-coated government soldiers. The regiment served with distinction in conflicts from the French and Indian War through both World Wars and into the 21st century. Their tartan became the template for numerous other military and clan tartans — adding a colored overstripe to the basic Black Watch sett was a common way to create new designs.
The Royal Stewart
The Royal Stewart tartan, with its bright red ground and green, blue, yellow, and white stripes, is the personal tartan of the British monarch and is used by several military units. As the personal tartan of the sovereign, it is technically available for any British subject to wear. It is the most widely reproduced tartan in the world and is the pattern most people picture when they think of "Scottish tartan."
Regimental Tradition
Scottish regiments in the British Army each had (and in some cases still have) their own tartan. The Gordon Highlanders wore the Gordon tartan. The Seaforth Highlanders wore the MacKenzie tartan. The Cameron Highlanders wore the Cameron of Erracht tartan. These regimental tartans were worn in kilts, trews (tartan trousers), and as pipers' plaids.
In battle, the kilt had practical limitations — it offered no protection and was unsuitable for trench warfare — but it had enormous psychological and morale value. German soldiers in World War I reportedly called kilted Scottish soldiers the "Ladies from Hell." The tradition of wearing kilts in combat continued through World War II, though by that point kilts were mostly reserved for formal occasions and pipe bands.
Pipers' Plaids
Military pipe bands have their own tartan traditions. The piper's plaid — a large piece of tartan cloth draped over the shoulder — is a distinctive element of military pipe band dress. Each band typically wears the tartan of its regiment or institution.
Modern Military Tartans
The tradition continues. Military units around the world (not just Scottish ones) have commissioned tartans. The U.S. Marine Corps, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Australian Defence Force all have registered tartans. These modern military tartans honor the Scottish tradition while connecting it to new national identities.