Newcastle Tartan

Scottish World Tartan Register No. 2878

Coloured cloth has long been used to symbolise cultural identity: the purple worn by Roman Emperors, the heraldic dressings of medieval knights, and the ‘red coats’ of the British Army are well-known historical examples.

In due course many organised groups came to be identified simply by colour. One of those was the shepherds of Northumbria, who wore a heavy-duty woollen cloth especially for use on the exposed hills in the North of England and Borders area of Scotland. It was these shepherds who were brought to Scotland when sheep were introduced after the Highland Clearances, This simple black and white patterned cloth became known as the ‘Shepherds’ Check’ or ‘Shepherds Tartan’, and was to provide the colours chosen by Newcastle United Football Club for their team jerseys.

The Newcastle tartan has been created to provide a modern symbol for this ancient region, which not only reflects its history, but also strengthens its historical links with Scotland. The black and white of the original ‘Shepherd’s Check’ is combined with gold and blue from the badge of Newcastle United Football Club

The tartan for all ‘Geordies’. Seeing themselves as somehow ‘different’ from the rest of their countrymen and women, the people of the Newcastle area have been quick to take up their own Newcastle District tartan for weddings, golf and well…who knows what?

Now we just need the Manager of Newcastle United to start wearing it and his team might start climbing up the Premiership table.

I couldn’t believe my luck when I found out there was a Newcastle tartan. I always wanted to get married in the kilt and now I can do it in my very own tartan.

Ian Poulter, Newcastle

Associated Links

Tartans Scotland Online Tartan Guide (external link)

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