Black Watch
Black Watch Tartan Collection
Wear one of Scotland's most iconic tartans with the Black Watch collection — the dark green, navy and black "Government sett" of the famous Highland regiment, a universal tartan free for anyone to wear with pride.
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About the Black Watch Tartan
The Black Watch tartan, also known as the "Government sett," is one of the most famous tartans in the world — and, unlike a clan tartan, it is universal, free for anyone to wear. It takes its name from the Black Watch, the Highland regiment raised from independent companies formed in 1725 to keep the peace in the Highlands. In Gaelic these companies were called Am Freiceadan Dubh, "the dark watch," after their sombre tartan.
Whether you have military heritage, Highland roots, or simply admire one of Scotland's most timeless setts, this collection brings the Black Watch tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful gifts.
Black Watch Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Black Watch tartan is a dark, dignified sett of deep forest green, navy blue and black, with no over-stripe of any other colour. Its sombre palette was chosen for a practical purpose — to blend into the hills and shadowed glens of the Highlands — making it one of the earliest examples of functional military camouflage, and giving it a quiet elegance admired the world over.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Black Watch tartan is a versatile choice for anyone — those with military or regimental heritage, Highland roots, or simply a love of Scotland. As a universal tartan, it asks for no clan membership or surname at all.
- Military & regimental heritage
- Highland roots
- Anyone (universal tartan)
- Weddings & formal wear
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Black Watch Heritage
In the aftermath of the 1715 Jacobite rising, General George Wade was authorised to raise independent Highland companies — drawn from loyal clans including the Campbells, Frasers, Grants and Munros — to patrol and police the Highlands. Their dark government-issue tartan earned them the Gaelic name Am Freiceadan Dubh, the Black Watch, in contrast to the scarlet-coated regular "red soldiers." In 1739 the companies were formed into a single regiment.
Numbered first the 43rd and then the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, the Black Watch went on to fight in nearly every major British campaign — from Fontenoy and Ticonderoga to Waterloo, the Crimea and the two World Wars — earning a legendary reputation for courage. Today the tartan is worn as Government 1A by the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and the world over as a symbol of Scottish military heritage.
Black Watch Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Black Watch tartan, who can wear it, and what makes this iconic military sett special.
What is the Black Watch tartan?
It is a dark green, navy and black military tartan, also called the "Government sett," first worn by the Highland companies that became the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, the Black Watch.
Who can wear the Black Watch tartan?
Anyone. It is a universal tartan with no clan restrictions, so it can be worn freely by those with or without Scottish ancestry.
Why is it called "Black Watch"?
From the Gaelic Am Freiceadan Dubh, "the dark watch," after the sombre dark tartan of the companies raised in 1725 to watch over and police the Highlands.
Why is the tartan so dark?
Its deep green, navy and black were chosen to blend into the Highland landscape — an early form of functional camouflage — rather than for display.
Is Black Watch a clan tartan?
No. It is a military or "Government" tartan rather than a clan tartan, which is why anyone is free to wear it.
Is Black Watch tartan a good gift?
Yes. Black Watch products make timeless gifts for those with military heritage, for weddings and formal wear, and for anyone who loves Scotland.
Wear the Iconic Black Watch Tartan
Discover Black Watch tartan apparel, accessories and gifts celebrating Scotland's most famous military sett — a universal tartan that anyone can wear with pride.
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