Highland Mist Tartan has an interesting story.

The colourful, intricate pattern is one of our most beloved, however you may be surprised to learn that this unique beauty not actually one of our own designs ( although we do certainly boast a talented tartan design team here at GNK ! ) 

Highland Mist Tartan in fact began it's journey in the design room of one of our most trusted suppliers, House of Edgar, in their Perth HQ.

This beautiful tartan was created more than twenty years ago by a young textile designer by the name of Claire Donaldson, originally for the sole use of Harrisons of Hamilton, a Highlandwear outfitters sadly no longer in operation.

Claire's design for House of Edgar weaves together a palette of rich jewel -like tones, reminiscent of colourful wild highland meadows that dance in the passing focus of sunrays bursting through misty skies. 

Unusually asymmetrical in its pattern, Highland Mist Tartan is both a delight and a challenge for even the most skilled kiltmaker. Pleating this design is technically demanding, but once the test is answered, Highland Mist Tartan creates an undeniably handsome kilt.

Such technical difficulties are of course something our own kiltmakers navigate with confident precision, thanks to their sound training in-house with our Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy

Interestingly, amongst the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy's most recent Class of 25, we have enjoyed the privelage of teaching a wonderfully experienced textile designer and weaver called Claire. 

Though her surname has now changed, we are rather honoured to share with you - in a moment of kismet - that Claire  once designed tartans at The House of Edgar and yes, you've guessed correctly, Claire is the original designer of Highland Mist Tartan ! 

Claire now runs her own tartan design and weaving enterprise, Taffled Threads, specialising in custom fabrics, using natural yarns, and has worked on many exciting and meaningful projects...keep following The Kiltmakers Chronicle for more on that later...