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Ukraine Forever Tartan
Ukraine
Forever Tartan
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What inspired Great Scot to design the
Ukraine Forever Tartan? When we watched the horrors unfolding in Ukraine, we felt helpless and extremely frustrated. We have a strong online community of over 150k who are very engaged with and loyal to our brand, so we asked them how we should help because we wanted to do more than make a one-off cash donation. They begged us to do what we are known for which is designing unique tartans and making them into exceptional clothing. They suggested that all the profits go to the DEC’s Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. So, we got to work right away. We worked through the night, and by the morning, the Ukraine Forever tartan was born. Our community loved what we created and so we began to dye, weave, cut and sew. We could tell even in the early stages that this tartan was a powerful force for good.
Are you surprised by so much
international enthusiasm? Yes, we are surprised, but we are deeply grateful for all the kind words and support. We have 2 Ukrainian refugees with us now and despite being heartbroken to have to leave their brother, father and husband in Kharkiv to fight, each day they see all the kind messages from people desperate to wear this tartan and for this project. Supporters from countries around the world have come ‘home’ for this tartan. A real highlight also was being thanked by the Ministry of Defence in Ukraine. It was encouraging too to hear from well-known international politicians, celebrities and royals. So many have placed orders for our jackets, kilts, scarves, skirts, etc. Those with Scottish heritage or association know the power of a strong, rebellious tartan. It speaks silently but bravely about heritage and allegiances - in every language!
We can see that you’re passionate about
tartan! I am! Tartan has always been an emotive fabric. It courts nostalgia, empowers identity and is a source of great pride and joy to millions of people. Tartan unites family, friends and strangers from all over the world. Pride and passion go hand in hand with a powerful tartan.
In your opinion, what does this outpouring
of solidarity from our society say? Scotland’s people are sovereign, and we are fiercely protective and proud of our nation and our culture. In the same way, Ukraine chooses to fight against losing her borders and her national identity. This tartan, which is a 50/50 fusion of the colours of both the Saltire flag of Scotland and the flag of Ukraine, simply and effectively symbolises our shared values. We are saying
loudly to Ukraine, “the Scots are with you and Ukraine will be forever’’ and it’s showing the world that the Scots champion democracy and reject oppression.
And how do you respond to people who
criticize your initiative? Weaving or wearing tartan for any reason can attract criticism but only from those who don’t understand its history and its role in the community, and societies around the globe. This particular tartan is being woven to traditional standards of excellence by highly skilled local people living in the heart of a rural local Scottish community. It’s super for the local economy. It is raising lots of money for an excellent cause and sending a strong welcome message to those fleeing Ukraine for the safety of Scotland. We are also asked “but what about Yemen or Syria” wars and of course, if there was enough support to help us finance a fundraiser for any worthy cause, we would be honoured to do tartan for those too and we would do it with the same passion as this one.
How many mills weave
this tartan? We have partnered with every interested mill within the British Isles that has a long-standing reputation for exceptional skill and quality. At the moment five mills are weaving and each one of those is doing a different weight or process. From there, the finished tartan comes to us where our highly skilled kilt-makers, tailors and seamstresses do their magic.
What are the design elements of this
tartan? Using the design of a bold and memorable sett, the flag colours belonging to Scotland’s saltire and Ukraine combine to make a bold, bright, and strong tartan. We make light weight and medium weight fine wool for tailored styles, kilts and homewares while we also make a beautiful merino lambswool which we craft into capes, shawls, ponchos and scarves. A big part of our tartan collection is a non-wool vegan weight so this is also available now in the Ukraine Forever Tartan and it’s extremely popular. People can’t quite believe the quality of an authentic tartan - so many poor imitations exist so when they touch the real thing, the reaction is always delight and surprise. I’m sure it’s because passion and history run through every thread. Engaging with authentic tartan is a beautiful, unforgettable experience.
Who is wearing this tartan? We have very high profile customers but our most delightful clients are the grandmothers who might buy a metre of the cloth to make an item for their new grandchild or a fashion student who wants to make a political statement for his college runway show. We also have several museums in various countries that wish us to make items for their mannequins and schools that purchase them for educational reasons. The Scottish government is gifting items to visiting dignitaries and the Scottish Football Association has embraced it for the upcoming Men’s World Cup Qualifier Scotland v Ukraine. We have and will gift the tartan to the Dnipro Kids, Ukrainian Soldiers, various Scottish Doctors who are in Ukraine at the moment, and of course President Zelensky now has a kilt - I just have to get it on him!
How much of the tartan have
you already woven? We now have woven approximately 6 miles - that’s a long road of cloth. If the demand is there we will certainly make more. It’s real labour of love.
How can people support this
project? They can visit the website to learn more about the project at
