Click the tartan to view its entry in The Scottish Registers of Tartans which includes registration details, restrictions, and registrant information.
Unregistered tartans may link to one of the web's online design environments for similar information.
For any questions about reproduction of designs or weaving of these tartans, please contact the registrant directly or via this website.
River Day
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.”
~ A River Runs Through it and Other Stories, Norman Maclean, 1976
Scotland’s rivers are as varied and enchanting as the landscapes they flow through, each with unique features that have inspired stories, legends, and poetry for centuries. The mighty River Tay, the longest in Scotland, winds through dense forests and rolling hills, famed for its salmon fishing and the ancient birch woods along its banks. Meanwhile, the River Spey rushes with a fast current through the Highlands, carving through glens and providing the pure waters essential for crafting the world-renowned Speyside whiskies. In the heart of Edinburgh, the Water of Leith meanders quietly, offering a green corridor of tranquility amidst the city’s bustle, while the River Dee flows majestically past the royal residence of Balmoral, reflecting the rugged grandeur of its mountain surroundings. Scotland’s rivers also give rise to stunning waterfalls, like the ethereal Falls of Foyers on the shores of Loch Ness and the mesmerizing Grey Mare’s Tail near Moffat. The cool blues of this tartan evoke both the clear and deep waters! 💙 🤍 💙 🌊 🌊 🌊
Scotland's rivers flow through a land steeped in myth and legend, each watercourse carrying stories as ancient as the hills and forests around them. One of the most legendary rivers is the River Tay, the longest river in Scotland. According to folklore, the Tay is closely linked to the ancient Celtic goddess Tatha, for whom the river is named. Tatha was said to be the daughter of a Celtic king who, upon her death, was transformed into the river to flow through the heart of the country, bringing life to its lands. The river's deep and mysterious waters have inspired tales of water spirits and enchanted beings, with whispers that the river guards ancient secrets beneath its surface.
Another iconic waterway is the River Forth, which flows past the historic city of Stirling. In Scottish lore, the Forth is associated with the "Kelpie," a shape-shifting water spirit said to haunt its banks. The kelpie is often depicted as a beautiful black horse that lures unsuspecting travelers to climb onto its back, only to drag them into the depths of the river. The Forth’s dark, sometimes tumultuous waters were believed to be the haunt of these spirits, reminding locals of the dangers lurking in the seemingly serene river. Over time, stories of the kelpie served as cautionary tales, warning children to stay away from the water's edge.
The River Dee in Aberdeenshire is yet another Scottish river brimming with legend. The Dee is known as the "River of the Goddess," linking it to Celtic deities and ancient traditions. Some tales suggest that the river was blessed by Saint Drostan, an early Christian saint, imbuing its waters with healing properties. Local legend also speaks of an underwater palace, where the “River Goddess” resides, watching over the river's flow and protecting those who show respect for the water. The river’s clear, fast-moving waters have long been a source of wonder and reverence, feeding the imaginations of poets and storytellers.
Finally, the River Spey, renowned for its strong currents, is not only famed for its role in Scotland’s whisky-making traditions but also in ancient lore. It is said that a powerful water spirit, or "bean-nighe" (a type of banshee), wanders its banks, foretelling death and tragedy by washing the clothes of those who are destined to die. The haunting presence of the bean-nighe in the river’s misty shallows is woven into the cultural fabric of the Highlands, a reminder of the mystical and sometimes foreboding nature of Scotland's waterways.
For some beautiful river pictures, click the Fairy Pools of Skye.