About the STA
The Scottish Tartans Authority was formed in 1996 as a Scottish
registered company with charitable status. We're dedicated to
preserving, promoting and advancing Scottish Tartans - their
origins, history, manufacture, use and development. You can find
out more about us by clicking on the following links.
Our Board
of Trustees
Articles of Association
FAQs
As a registered charity, we rely on both private and business members to
fulfill our aims. Our key activites include the following;
- The National Tartan Centre - Support the ambitious plans
for a National Tartan Centre - working alongside Scottish
Enterprise we have undertaken a feasibility study on the project
that has recommended that there is a viable future for a Centre
that showcases one of Scotland's most potent national symbols. The
National Tartan Centre will showcase and promote Tartan as the
defining symbol of a nation.
- Advocacy and Representation - Our
activities are about protecting tartan and the organisations
associated with it so that we can all effectively work together to
benefit the sector thus ensuring the long term sustainability of
those working with tartan
- The Tartan Collection &
Library - The Scottish Tartans Authority maintains
the world's largest and most comprehensive tartan database, the
most extensive woven tartan archives and an unsurpassed archive of
books and documents on tartan and its many strands. As well as the
physical archive of tartan samples and costume, our tartan
specialists have a wealth of knowledge of tartan design and
manufacturing as well as the many cultural traditions, histories of
people, communities and events associated with tartan and Highland
dress
- Education - We have an active programme
of engagement providing talks throughout Scotland and sometimes
further afield. We have delivered talks to schools, community
groups and interested parties across Scotland. Drawing on our
expertise and fabulous archive of materials, we have enthused and
educated groups on our tartan heritage. Please contact us if you
are interested in us giving a talk or workshop to your school or
community.