The Heritage of Scottish Tartans & Tweed: A Legacy of Elegance and Craftsmanship

From the windswept Highlands to the grand estates of the British aristocracy, these storied textiles have evolved from practical garments into enduring symbols of style. Now, at The Witchery Shop on Castlehill in Edinburgh, we celebrate this rich legacy with our exclusive collection of bespoke tartan and tweed—designed in collaboration with acclaimed Scottish textile artist Araminta Campbell.

The Story of Scottish Tartans and Tweed

The origins of tartan stretch back to the 16th century, when its distinctive patterns—known as setts—were woven by regional weavers rather than specific clans. Worn by Highlanders, tartan became a symbol of defiance after the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, when the British government banned its use under the Dress Act. Yet this only strengthened its significance, transforming tartan into an enduring emblem of Scottish pride.

Tweed, by contrast, emerged from the Borders and Highlands in the 18th century as a fabric of function. Woven from thick, homespun wool, it was prized for its warmth and durability—perfect for outdoor pursuits. By the 19th century, tweed had moved beyond practicality, becoming the fabric of choice for British gentry seeking refined yet rugged elegance.

Today, these iconic textiles remain symbols of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.

Craftsmanship & Tradition

Both tartan and tweed are defined by their meticulous craftsmanship. Tartans are traditionally woven from wool, with each intersecting thread creating a signature grid of colour. Every pattern carries a legacy—whether representing a clan, a region, or a family name.

Tweed’s richness lies in its texture and complexity. Handwoven on traditional looms, it features timeless patterns such as herringbone, barleycorn, and houndstooth, with colours inspired by Scotland’s natural landscape. Nowhere is this heritage more revered than in the Outer Hebrides, where Harris Tweed is still woven by local artisans. Each length is stamped with the Orb mark, a guarantee of its authenticity and provenance.

At The Witchery Shop, we honour this legacy by working with Scottish artisans to create exclusive textiles that reflect the spirit of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

From Countryside to Couture: Tartan and Tweed in Fashion

Tartan and tweed have become icons of global style and in the 19th century, Queen Victoria’s embrace of tartan at Balmoral Castle elevated it to a symbol of aristocratic elegance. Tweed soon followed, with tailored jackets and caps becoming staples of British country fashion.

Today, these fabrics continue to inspire luxury designers. Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen, and Vivienne Westwood have reimagined tartan and tweed for the modern era—pairing timeless patterns with contemporary silhouettes. 

At The Witchery Shop, our bespoke tartan and tweed collection offers a contemporary expression of this enduring tradition, designed with the intent to become heirlooms passed down from generation to generation.

The Witchery Bespoke Collection: The Witchery Tweed, Inspired by Edinburgh’s Rich History

To celebrate The Witchery’s anniversary, our founder James Thomson collaborated with Araminta Campbell to create a bespoke tweed that captures the gothic allure of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

The tweed’s colour palette is inspired by the city itself:

• Deep wine-red evokes James’ passion for Burgundian wines and his annual visits to Hospices de Beaune to source casks for The Witchery’s renowned wine cellar.
• Black threads reflect the city’s atmospheric past—echoing the dark, brooding charm of the Royal Mile.
• Gold accents honour George Heriot, the King’s goldsmith and founder of George Heriot’s School, where James was educated.
• Vibrant green threads symbolise The Witchery’s commitment to sustainability and historic preservation—a tribute to the transformation of the Secret Garden from a forgotten schoolyard into a celebrated dining space.

The result is a fabric that embodies both The Witchery’s storied surroundings and its dedication to craftsmanship.

The Witchery Dress Tartan: A Tribute to Royal Mile Heritage

Drawing inspiration from the Munro Tartan in honour of James’ grandmother, The Witchery Dress Tartan captures the essence of Edinburgh’s rich history.

• Crimson hues reflect the wine-red oak panelling salvaged from St Giles Cathedral, now a signature of The Witchery’s interiors.
• Deep red tones symbolise royal processions along the Royal Mile, while black threads evoke the era when Edinburgh was gripped by witch trials between 1470 and 1722.
• Gold checks pay homage to the heraldic ceilings of The Witchery, inspired by those at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, symbolising Scotland’s historic ties to France.
• Green accents represent The Witchery’s ongoing commitment to preserving heritage buildings, ensuring their beauty endures for generations.

Comprising 352 threads, the tartan subtly reflects The Witchery’s address at 352 Castlehill, while seven blocks represent Edinburgh’s seven hills.

The Witchery Tartan: A Nod to Scotland’s Gothic Past

Inspired by the city’s hauntingly beautiful history, The Witchery Tartan is a bold tribute to Edinburgh’s Old Town.

• Black threads symbolise the era of witch trials, a dark chapter of the city’s past.
• Gold accents honour George Heriot, whose legacy is woven into Edinburgh’s heritage and The Witchery’s very foundations.
• Wine-red tones reflect The Witchery’s acclaimed wine cellar and James’ passion for fine vintages.
• Green highlights pay tribute to The Duke of Gordon, Keeper of the Keys to Edinburgh Castle, whose former residence forms part of The Witchery today.

With 352 threads, the design echoes The Witchery’s Royal Mile address, while its seven blocks mirror Edinburgh’s iconic hills.

Timeless Craftsmanship, Available at The Witchery Shop

At The Witchery Shop in Edinburgh, our exclusive tartan and tweed collection celebrates the artistry of Scottish weaving, reimagined for today. Each piece is crafted with locally sourced lambswool and cashmere, woven in Scotland with the utmost attention to detail.

Whether you’re seeking a luxurious scarf, a bespoke throw, or an elegant textile to treasure, The Witchery’s collection offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Edinburgh’s rich heritage.

Discover Our Collection

Explore our full collection of luxury Scottish tartan and tweed exclusively at The Witchery Shop here