Scottish Tartans Authority

The Scottish Tartans Authority was formed in 1996 by Scotland's leading weavers and tartan retailers and enjoys a unique mix of governors from both the private and commercial sectors. We were immediately joined by our kindred spirit in the USA - the International Association of Tartan Studies (IATA) and the Tartan Educational and Cultural Associati... on (TECA) and a representative from those bodies serves on our Board of Governors. Funding for the Authority's work is generously provided by leading member companies within the Scottish industry until such time as the our Membership, Services and Online Retail income is firmly established. We are a registered Scottish Charity with the major objective of promoting a deeper knowledge of Scottish Tartans, their origins, manufacture, use, history and development and we study, record and stimulate research on the subject. A vitally important objective has also been to compile and maintain the International Tartan Index to record and document all known historical tartans and to provide a free, dependable and accountable information resource for the public and a 'register' for the Recording of all new tartans. The Authority's long term aim is also to establish and develop a visitor centre and interpretative museum relating to Scottish Tartans worldwide that would become a major international heritage facility.Read More