Tartan
Shanghai Scottish Tartan
The Shanghai Scottish tartan was registered on 3rd September 2012 and takes inspiration from the Hunting Stewart tartan which was originally worn by the Scottish Regiment of the Shanghai Volunteer Corp, the military unit of the Shanghai International Settlement from 1853 to 1942. The colours reflect Scotland and Shanghai, with the Saltire blue the most prominent colour. The softer shade of blue references the sporting team colours worn by Shanghai Scottish. A single white overcheck runs through the blue shades representing the Scottish Saltire flag. The Chinese flag is also represented within the design, by a single gold overcheck running through a bold red shade.
Hunting Stewart Tartan
The Hunting Stewart tartan was originally worn by the Scottish Regiment of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps, the military unit of the Shanghai International Settlement that operated from 1853 to 1942. Today, it is more commonly known as the Stewart Hunting tartan.
Records suggest that several variations of the design have existed over time, with the pattern likely being adapted in the late 1800s.
China Scotland Tartan
The China Scotland tartan was originally created to signify the special relationship that exists between Scotland and China and between the Scots and the Chinese community in Scotland. The inspiration for this tartan came from Madam Guo Guifang, Chinese Consul General, who once spoke of the unique Scottish tartan as one of the major tourist attractions for the Chinese and suggested the idea of creating a specific tartan for the Chinese people.
Designed by Heather Yellowley of the Strathmore Woollen Company of Forfar and facilitated by Angus Council and the Scottish Tartans Authority, the tartan incorporates the colours of the Scottish Saltire together with the red and yellow of the Chinese flag. These are interwoven with green bands to symbolise the great co-operation between Scottish and Chinese botanists in the Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh – home to the world’s largest collection of Chinese plants outside China itself. The yellow crosses the red in five places which signifies the five stars of the Chinese Flag, the biggest and brightest being represented by the yellow cross in the middle of the red.
The tartan was presented to Madam Guo on 6th April 2006 as part of the Tartan Day Celebrations which took place in the Scottish county of Angus.