Aberdeen District
Aberdeen District Tartan Collection
Celebrate Scotland's Granite City with the Aberdeen District tartan — a universal tartan from 1782, one of the oldest woven by the Wilsons of Bannockburn, free for anyone with a love of north-east Scotland to wear.
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About the Aberdeen District Tartan
The Aberdeen District tartan is a regional, not a family, tartan — a universal design that anyone may wear, whether or not they carry a clan name. It belongs to Aberdeen, the "Granite City," set between the Rivers Don and Dee on Scotland's north-east coast. Designed in 1782, during the years when Highland dress was banned, it is the oldest tartan recorded by the famous weavers Wilsons of Bannockburn and is listed as number 13 in the Scottish Register of Tartans.
Because it is a district tartan, it makes an ideal choice for Aberdeen natives, Aberdeenshire families, university alumni and anyone with a connection to the city — bringing that civic pride into kilts, scarves, accessories, home decor and gifts.
Aberdeen Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Aberdeen sett blends red, sky blue and black with crisp green and white lines, giving a vivid yet balanced check. The fine white and green pinstripes lighten the deeper tones and lend the pattern its distinctive, well-mannered character.
Who Is This Collection For?
This is a versatile choice for anyone tied to Aberdeen and the wider north-east — by birth, by family, by study, or by simple affection for the Granite City. As a universal tartan, it asks for no clan membership at all.
- Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire natives
- University of Aberdeen alumni
- North-east Scotland heritage
- Anyone (universal tartan)
- City-pride & graduation gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Aberdeen Heritage
Aberdeen takes its name from the Gaelic Obar Dheathain, "mouth of the Dee," and grew from a royal burgh into Scotland's north-eastern gateway of trade, learning and granite. Unlike a clan tartan, the district sett stands for the place rather than a single family — though the surrounding shire is rich clan country, home to the Gordons (motto Bydand) and the Forbeses among others.
The tartan's 1782 origin places it among the very earliest Wilsons of Bannockburn designs, created during the prohibition era and later catalogued as one of Scotland's classic district patterns. Today it represents Aberdeen itself — its harbours, its universities and its enduring granite character.
Aberdeen District Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Aberdeen District tartan, who can wear it, and what makes this universal city tartan special.
What is the Aberdeen District tartan?
It is a universal district tartan for the city of Aberdeen, designed in 1782 by the Wilsons of Bannockburn and listed as number 13 in the Scottish Register of Tartans. The colours are red, sky blue and black with green and white lines.
Who can wear the Aberdeen tartan?
Anyone. As a district or universal tartan it is not tied to a particular clan or surname, so people connected to Aberdeen and the north-east — and visitors who love the city — can wear it freely.
Is Aberdeen a clan tartan?
No. It is a district tartan that represents the city and region rather than a single family, which is why it is open for everyone to wear.
Why is the Aberdeen tartan historically important?
It is the oldest tartan recorded by the Wilsons of Bannockburn, created in 1782 during the 1746–1782 ban on Highland dress, making it one of Scotland's earliest documented district setts.
What do the Aberdeen tartan colours look like?
Red, sky blue and black form the main ground, balanced by fine green and white lines that give the pattern a bright, orderly and distinctive appearance.
Who is the Aberdeen tartan good for?
It suits Aberdeen natives, Aberdeenshire families, University of Aberdeen alumni and anyone with north-east Scottish ties — and makes a great city-pride or graduation gift.
Wear the Pride of Scotland's Granite City
Discover Aberdeen District tartan clothing, accessories and gifts celebrating north-east Scotland — a universal tartan that anyone can wear with pride.
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