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.
Anne of Green Gables Day
"Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world."
~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables (1908)
Literary-location-inspired tartan travelers, take note! Close to and once part of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island lies just north of its former "parent" in the vast Gulf of St. Lawrence. Originally called St. John's Island, its name was changed in 1798 in honor of Queen Victoria's father, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who was commanding the British Forces in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the time. Prince Edward Island (PEI) has produced several notable authors, the most famous of whom is Lucy Maud Montgomery, best known for her "Anne of Green Gables" series. Anne of Green Gables tourism on Prince Edward Island is a vibrant and essential aspect of the island's cultural and economic landscape. Inspired by Montgomery's beloved novel, which has captivated readers worldwide since its publication in 1908, and has been published in 37 languages, including Scottish Gaelic! Tourists flock to PEI to experience the settings and charm of red-headed Anne Shirley's adventures. Key attractions include Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish, the restored farmhouse that inspired the iconic Green Gables home, and the Anne of Green Gables Museum at Silver Bush, where visitors can explore artifacts from Montgomery's life. The island also hosts various Anne-themed events, such as theatrical performances, guided tours, and the annual Anne of Green Gables Festival. These attractions and activities allow fans to immerse themselves in the world of Anne, experiencing the lush landscapes and picturesque scenery that inspired Montgomery's timeless stories. This tartan mirrors the beautiful seasonal colors of the island, with red for the warmth and glow of the fertile soil, green for the fields and trees, yellow and brown for autumn, and white for the surf or a summer snow. Kindred spirits in tartan appreciation may also imagine a tartan parallel to the red notes of Anne's hair and the green of her beloved adopted home. ❤️ 💚 💛 🤍 🏠 ✍️ 👩
An official tartan design competition was held in 1960 which was won by Mrs Jean Reid of Covehead, York. The colours she chose were described as follows: 'Red for the warmth and glow of the fertile soil, green for the field and tree, yellow and brown for Autumn and white for the surf or a summer snow.
Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada's smallest province, boasts a rich and colorful history. Originally inhabited by the Mi'kmaq people, who called it "Epekwitk," meaning "cradled on the waves," the island's European history began in 1534 when French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived. The French initially named it Île Saint-Jean and it became part of the colony of Acadia. In 1758, during the Seven Years' War, the British captured the island and renamed it St. John’s Island. To avoid confusion with other places named Saint John, it was renamed Prince Edward Island in 1798 in honor of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, the father of Queen Victoria. The island's economy historically relied on farming, fishing, and shipbuilding. In 1864, PEI hosted the Charlottetown Conference, which laid the groundwork for Canadian Confederation, though the island itself did not join until 1873. Today, PEI is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and as the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved novel, "Anne of Green Gables."
Prince Edward Island hosts several events celebrating its rich Scottish heritage, reflecting the island's historical ties to Scottish immigrants. Here are some notable events:
PEI Highland Games and Scottish Festival: Held annually in July in the town of Belfast, these games feature traditional Scottish athletic competitions such as caber tossing, tug-of-war, and stone throwing, along with highland dancing, bagpiping, and clan gatherings.
Scotchfort Highland Games: Another celebration of Scottish culture, these games often include pipe and drum bands, highland dancing, and various athletic events typical of Scottish heritage festivals.
The Gathering of the Clans Festival: This festival, held in Montague, celebrates Scottish music, dance, and culture with performances by local and visiting Scottish bands, traditional dancing, and storytelling.
Celtic Performing Arts Centre at The College of Piping: Located in Summerside, this center hosts events year-round, including concerts, workshops, and performances that highlight Scottish music, piping, drumming, and highland dancing.
The Annual Robbie Burns Dinner: Celebrated in various communities across the island, this event honors Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, with traditional Scottish food, poetry readings, and music.
For more about Anne of Green Gables and other tourist destinations on Prince Edward Island, click the green gables!