We'll never share your email address and you can opt out at any time, we promise.
The Society is pleased to announce that guest speaker Brian Wilton will present an upcoming online lecture offering a fascinating journey through the history and symbolism of tartan. His talk spans an extraordinary range of stories — from a pre-historic warrior’s grave in southwest Greece to the surface of the moon, from the Takla Makan desert in China to New York’s 42nd Street Shuttle. Along the way, listeners will encounter figures from Queen Victoria to Scrooge McDuck, and explore connections from Scotland’s 16th-century Redshank mercenaries to World War II Arctic Convoys. Throughout, the common thread is tartan: a textile design capable of carrying “soul” and even a sense of immortality.
‘Tartans’ by Brian Wilton
Regarded by many as a polymath, Brian Wilton served as an RAF Fighter Command navigator before returning to Scotland, where he entered the world of tartan. As Director of the Scottish Tartans Authority for 10 years, he uncovered a natural talent for design and went on to become the world’s leading exponent of modern tartan design and accessible tartan history. He authored the National Trust for Scotland’s definitive modern work, Tartans, and was appointed MBE in 2012 for his services to the tartan industry.
The lecture will be delivered online via Eventbrite, priced at £5 per ticket, and free for Society members (a code will be issued to members closer to the date).
Interested in becoming a member and receiving free access to all talks and events?
Visit our Membership page for more info.
Tartan Ambassador
Tartan Ambassador
Regarded by many as a polymath, Brian Wilton served as an RAF Fighter Command navigator before returning to Scotland, where he entered the world of tartan. As Director of the Scottish Tartans Authority for 10 years, he uncovered a natural talent for design and went on to become the world’s leading exponent of modern tartan design and accessible tartan history. He authored the National Trust for Scotland’s definitive modern work, Tartans, and was appointed MBE in 2012 for his services to the tartan industry.
