Highland Society of London Correspondence

[Canadian Livingstone]

I have no idea where Highland Society of London tartan samples, particularly those collected from Highlanders in years 1815 through 1822 are located. As I have seen relatively recent photographs of a page and index and possibly a cover they must be around in some museum in Scotland.In any event the National Library of Scotland has a collection of Highland Society of London papers GB233/Acc.10615 which includes correspondence from 1801-1981. Who knows perhaps there is letter of response from Baron John Livingstone in this collection. If such a letter existed it might explain much regarding the status of Livingstone Clan tartan circa 1815 as far as the Baron was concerned and the origins of sample submitted. THere is no guarantee that this letter is there or for that matter that the Baron was contacted, but I am still hopefull. regards Donald Livingstone Clink

[Kyle2 MacLea]

Dear Donald, You spoke of a book from 1994(?) that had evidence of having seen the pages, and even included copies in the book.

[Canadian Livingstone]

Hi Kyle, I am hoping in the meantime that the Scottish Tartan Authority or some other tartan organization in Scotland can provide information regarding the current status of the collection. I did find out, curiously enough, that the collection has apparently never been published, although one source stated it had been "catalogued". I am getting the sense from my research so far that whoever has possession of the collection has taken great lengths to ensure that the fragile collection is protected from humanity. As I have had some difficulties with archivists and getting access to aged documents in the past. I could well imagine such a possible scenario might exist in the case of this rare tartan collection. Lets hope that is not the case here. regards Donald

[James Stewart McLay]

Hi Donald, Can I refer you to 'Highland Clans & Tartans' by R W Munro, first published in the U.K. in 1997 by Octopus Books Ltd. ISBN 1 850520771. This has a photo of the pattern book titled HIGHLAND SOCIETY OF LONDON CERTIFIED TARTANS and shows a photo of 6 first specimens of tartans complete with seals, declarations and signatures of the chiefs.The article goes on to say 'These patterns were made up into a handsome book which has since remained in the possession of the Society' Although no mention is made of our clan, this no doubt will be of interest to you. Happy hunting, regards, Stewart.

[Canadian Livingstone]

Hi Stuart, Without question this wonderful collection, probably the first attempt to identify and collect the Highland Clan tartans does exist. Your book indicates that it is still in possession of the Highland Society of London. That may be the case. An article in the 2004 Sunday Times however states that some of the 18th century tartan pieces from the collection had their dyes tested and the collection was housed in the museum in Edinburgh. Interestingly found the Clans were using more expensive imported dyes sources even in the 18th century, prior to Culloden. Apparently some of the dyes produced from the local plants were found to be unreliable as the colours would eventually fade when exposed to prolonged sunlight.

[James Stewart McLay]

Hi Donald, Try The National Library of Scotland, Manuscripts Division, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW. Tel:0131 466 2812; Fax:0131 466 2811;(code from Canada is probably 00 44 and drop the lst. 0;) or E-mail:manuscripts@nls.uk Apparently, they appear to hold an Inventory of the correspondence etc., of the Highland Society of London, under Ref: Dep.268. But I don't know if this would include the Pattern Book. And, yes Blantyre, Scotland is indeed in the county of Lanarkshire. Hope the above is of help. Happy hunting, Stewart.