The Royals in Scotland
Scotland has long held an important place in the Royal Family’s affections. Spending large portions of their summers at the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, there the family engages in typical pastimes that the Scottish countryside affords such as flyfishing and hiking.
A remote wilderness of burns and banks, forests and foothills, the estate spans some 50,000 acres and stole the heart of Queen Victoria on her first visit to the region in 1848.
The love affair continues down the generations and is said to be the place where the late Queen Elizabeth II was most happy. On the sunnier days, Prince Philip was said to be keen on manning the grill at the infamous ‘Balmoral Barbeque’. With an endless offering of picturesque spots on the estate, it’s described as “the most beautiful place on earth.” by Princess Eugenie.
The Balmoral Tartan
While at Balmoral, members of the family can wear the Balmoral tartan – but only those permitted to by the reigning Monarch.
In fact, just days before her passing, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was photographed wearing her Balmoral tartan skirt as she met with the newly elected Prime Minister.
The tartan, reserved exclusively for The Royal Family, was designed by Prince Albert for his beloved wife, Queen Victoria in 1850. Upon the completion of their newly commissioned Scottish castle, Prince Albert set about designing the interior and he made great use of tartan.
He utilised red Royal Stewart and green Hunting Stewart tartans for carpets while using the Dress Stewart for curtains and upholstery. To add a personal touch, The Queen designed the Victoria Tartan, and Prince Albert the Balmoral Tartan.
Inspired by the Deeside landscape, the tartan is predominantly grey and contains threads of black and white yarns twisted together to achieve the effect of the rough-hewn granite that is typical of the region. With red and black over-checks, the tartan is distinct and beautiful.
To this day, Kinloch Anderson is privileged to be custodians of the Balmoral Tartan for the Royal Family’s use and has tailored garments in it over many years.
The Sovereign’s Piper
The only person allowed to wear the Balmoral tartan outside of the Royal Family is the Sovereign’s Piper.
A serving member of the armed forces, the piper wears a uniform that includes a Balmoral Tartan kilt, fly plaid, a Balmoral jacket which features the coat of arms, and a pair of Balmoral Tartan knitted hose.
With permission from the reigning Sovereign, the uniform is made to measure for the piper by Kinloch Anderson.
Kinloch Anderson on the Royal Family
Kinloch Anderson has a long and proud association with The Royal Family.
First supplying His Majesty King Edward VII in 1903, Kinloch Anderson were granted their first royal warrant by His Majesty King George V in 1934 and thereafter by His Majesty King George VI.
Kinloch Anderson has continued to make Highland Dress clothing for the royal familythe 20th Century, first supplying Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1955, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh in 1960, and His Majesty King Charles III in 1980 (then His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales).
The skill of kiltmaking by hand will continue at Kinloch Anderson as we embark on training the next generation of skilled craftsmen and women.