Fife Tartan

Scottish World Tartan Register No. 2503

At one time Dunfermline was the seat of the Scottish monarchy and St. Andrews was the centre of Christianity in Scotland; and of course the Royal and Ancient golf Club of St. Andrews has long been considered to be ‘The Home of Golf. It is therefore easy to see why ‘Fifers’ proudly refer to their county as ‘The Kingdom of Fife’.

The colours of the Fife tartan have been chosen to symbolise the leading role which the County has played in shaping the history of Scotland, and have been woven together to produce a unique and distinctive design.

RED is taken from the tartan of the Clan Macduff, traditionally the head of the Scottish army, and charged with crowning the Kings of Scotland. Their association with Fife dates back to the 11th. Century. BLUE represents the boundaries of the North Sea and the Firths of Tay and Forth, and PALE BLUE the two pairs of world-famous bridges which link Fife to the north and south. GOLD represents Fife’s royal heritage, and BLACK the coal which until recent times formed the backbone of its economy.

The official tartan for Fifers.

Fifers have always considered themselves to be ‘different’. Whether they are or not is open to question, but there are certainly many unique features in the history of ‘The Kingdom’, as they like to call their county.

As if to prove the point Fife Council have adopted the Fife tartan in no uncertain terms by using it for fittings and furnishings in the Council Chambers. Even the Council officers wear Fife tartan trews at Council functions, and the Provost ensures that every distinguished visitor receives a souvenir tie or scarf.

Associated Links

Tartans Scotland Online Tartan Guide (external link)

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