00:01, 23 Mar 2026<\/p>\n
![\"Traditional](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0_Tartan.jpg\")
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Scottish students have the chance to to design a tartan for an American milestone(Image: Tim Graham\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Scottish students have been given the “remarkable” opportunity to design a tartan<\/a> that will mark a historic milestone. Heriot-Watt University was invited by the Scottish Government USA to get involved in America250, a celebration for the USA’s 250th birthday.<\/p>\n Those studying at the Edinburgh institution’s<\/a> school of textiles and design have been tasked with creating a tartan symbolising the historical and cultural ties between Scotland and the US. They submitted their ideas to a panel of experts from both countries, with the winning design due to be revealed in the summer.<\/p>\n The chosen design will be registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority as the official commemorative tartan for the America250 organisation. An initial commemorative run will be produced at Lovat Mill in Hawick in the Scottish Borders<\/a>.<\/p>\n The winning student then travelling to Washington DC to formally present the tartan from Scotland to the US. Professor Fiona Grant, executive dean of the school of textiles and design, said: \u201cWe were delighted to be chosen for this special assignment to mark the America250 celebrations.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a remarkable opportunity to contribute to a project of real cultural \u2013 and lasting \u2013 importance while showcasing the breadth of skill, creativity and innovation that define Heriot-Watt\u2019s school of textiles and design.\u201d<\/p>\n Each submission had to meet a number of criteria, including the historical and cultural relevance of the tartan design, the creativity and originality of the pattern and supporting narrative, its public appeal and the potential for ceremonial and commercial use.<\/p>\n Five Heriot-Watt students have been shortlisted with the winning design becoming the official commemorative tartan for the America250(Image: Rebecca Lewis\/BFC\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n Mark Boyce, acting head of the Scottish Government USA, said: \u201cThe 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is a moment to reflect on the long and historic ties between the United States and Scotland.<\/p>\n \u201cA commemorative tartan is the perfect symbol of this interwoven relationship that continues to thrive through trade, education, culture and diaspora.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are delighted to bring this opportunity to the students at Heriot-Watt University, who are developing skills and creativity to help secure the future of Scotland\u2019s unique tartans and textiles.\u201d<\/p>\n Five Heriot-Watt students have been shortlisted, with the university saying the inspiration behind their designs is \u201cas diverse as the samples they\u2019ve woven\u201d.<\/p>\n Grace Nicholls\u2019 tartan highlights the vibrancy and heritage of Highland dance, through a design inspired by her family\u2019s kilt colours and the rhythmic patterns shared across Scotland and North America.<\/p>\n Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n![\"Tartan](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774224921_350_0_Tartan.jpg\")
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