Poland

Scottish World Tartan Register No. 3156

The association between Poland and Scotland dates from as far back as the 15th Century when Scots merchants first began to settle in the free port of Danzig (now Gdansk).

In the 16th century many Scots fought for Poland in the wars against Sweden and, by the 18th century as many as 30,000 Scots were estimated to be living in Poland. In due course the Scots were assimilated into Polish Society and in 1673 men with the names of Mackay, Gordon, Fraser and Lindsay were even raised to the Polish nobility and Scottish names took on Polish spellings. Modern myth in Scotland even links the name Lech Walensa to Lachlan Wallace.

Although few Poles may have visited Scotland in this period, that was to change dramatically with the advent of the Second World War, when tens of thousands of Polish troops were stationed throughout Scotland. The natural affinity between these two peoples saw many Poles settle in Scotland after the war and assimilate into Scottish society. With Poland’s introduction to the European Union that trend continues to this day, and Scotland is a popular choice for Polish people seeking a new life.

The Polish tartan has been designed and woven as a gift to the people of Poland and those of Polish descent living throughout Scotland. The colours of the tartan combine the colours in the flags of Poland and Scotland.

The Polish tartan has proved to be popular with people of Polish ancestry settled in Scotland and the new influx of Polish workers.

Gestures such as these always promote the associations between our two countries.

Aleksander Dietkow
Consul General of the Republic of Poland

Associated Links

The Sikorski Polish Club
Tartans Scotland Online Tartan Guide (external link)

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