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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 Association (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. Work on this project has been ongoing for some time and various opportunities are coming to fruition

So . . . those are the dry objectives! In simple terms we offer a free permanent help line to the general public, weavers, tartan and Highland dress manufacturers and retailers and members of the press from around the world. We stimulate and promote research into tartan and related interests, we continually add to and update our electronic and tartan cloth archives and we design and record new tartans for private individuals and national and international companies. We give lectures, write articles, attend trade events and have recently launched our first international tartan exhibition in Tuscany, Italy.

If you agree with our aims and objectives then - by becoming a Member - you too can become part of the team effort to preserve and promote this fascinating aspect of Scottish heritage.

Authority status
The Scottish Tartans Authority is a Scottish Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a share capital under Company Number 162386.

Charitable status
The Authority is a Scottish Charity, recognised under Scottish Charity Number SCO24310

Registered Office
J & H Mitchell W.S.
51 Atholl Road
PITLOCHRY
PH16 5BU

Scottish Tartans Authority
Muthill Road, Crieff. PH7 4HQ. Scotland
Tel: +44 (0)1764 655444 Fax: +44 (0)1764 654242 Local rate calls from UK 0845 430 1822

The Scottish Tartans Authority is a Scottish Charity, recognised under Scottish Charity Number SC024310
©2004 All images and articles on this website are the Copyright of the Scottish Tartans Authority unless otherwise stated.

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