Black Isle tartan designer Prickly Thistle creates new tartan range inspired by Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
A Highland tartan mill based on the Black Isle and with a store in Inverness has designed a new bespoke tartan for a Loch Ness landmark.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is launching a new tartan range dedicated to Urquhart Castle, with the design created by Prickly Thistle and woven by Lochcarron of Scotland.
Marketed as a luxury fashion and lifestyle range, the collection aims to celebrate the history of the castle, taking inspiration from the castle’s magnificent location on the shores of Loch Ness.
Speaking about the Urquhart Castle commission, Clare Campbell, founder of Prickly Thistle, said: “We have loved working with the team at Historic Environment Scotland, who commissioned us to design this new tartan for an iconic building that belongs to a region we call home.
“We started working on this design a few years ago, and during the process, we learned so much more about the history of Urquhart Castle.
“Designing tartans for historic buildings is truly an honour, given that historically tartans were largely created as forms of identity for places opposed to specific people, known as district tartans.
“The Highlands played a pivotal role in tartan history, and its exciting to think that it will grow once again for the future. Especially when organisations like HES support local makers across the country for what has become a cherished national icon.”
The new Urquhart Castle tartan retail range, which will be sold online and at the castle gift shop, is characterized by a “harmonious blend” of deep blues and verdant greens, evoking the serene beauty and storied past of Urquhart Castle, with a bold teal-blue reflecting the loch’s tranquil waters.
It will include a lambswool scarf (£32), a lightweight scarf (£72), a tie (£28) and a tam (£35).
The textiles range is complemented by a selection of traditional Scottish treats, also packaged in the bespoke Urquhart Castle tartan, including a shortbread box (£8.50), whisky chasers (£10), whisky cake (£14), chocolate bars (£6), tea (£8) and tablet (£4) – offering consumers a complete sensory experience of Scotland’s finest products, steeped in heritage, tradition and crafted with care.
Natasha Troitino, head of retail at HES,said: “As we continue to evolve our luxury retail offering, we’re delighted to present this exclusive tartan range that we feel perfectly encapsulates the essence of Urquhart Castle and it’s beautiful surroundings.
“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Prickly Thistle and Lochcarron to bring the sustainable range to life over the past months. We know that fashion lovers in Scotland and beyond will appreciate the quality and detail of this wonderful collection which is sure to elevate any wardrobe with a piece of Highland heritage.”
Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart Castle has a turbulent history, with control passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence.
Now, managed by HES, Urquhart Castle’s iconic ruins remain, offering visitors a glimpse into medieval times and the lives of its noble residents.
