The Search for Livingstone WR1003 Tartan

[Canadian Livingstone]

Tartan 1003 is the favoured tartan of Baron Alistair Livingston and one which my family has recognised as the principal Livingston tartan for many years. I have a light weight wool scarve made from Ancient Livingstone 1003 and my Dad has a necktie made from the modern Livingstone 1003 which is more a brighter red and green while the ancient has more subdued shades of red ( almost orange) and a lighter green. Some of the other tartans no doubt date from the early 1900's into the 1980's perhaps. The MacLea-Livingstone tartan 1488 I think it was may be from the early 1900's or late 1800's. That certainly is a possibility. My impression is that Tartan 1003 is most the

[Jerry]

Donald, This won't be the first or last time I'm confused but I thought the favoured Tartan of Alistair Livingstone was the Ancient Livingstone Tartan as that is the Tartan he is wearing in the photo which I do not know the tartan#.

[Canadian Livingstone]

Hi Jerry, Well following the tartans on our clan website Tartan 1003 is listed with the choice of an ancient or modern. There are of course a number of rather contemporary Livingston tartans that have been made up in relatively modern times for which I am not familiar with. Anyways 1003 is just a number. My search was for an original tartan dating as far back as 1815 that would of been red green and black but I was mislead it would seem. I am convinced that what Niall and the Baron wear, Tartan 1003 or some variation of it in red green and black was the original tartan. But hey one problem. I cant find any original source for it and so far neither can Kyle or David. Not for lack of trying. Don't worry Niall knows his family tartan better than anyone. Whatever tartan he recommended was the correct clan tartan to be sure. I think they are calling both ancient and modern 1003 on the web site. It is just a slight shade variation and matter of choice I think. regards Donald

[Jerry]

Donald, Right you are!

[D.W.Livingston]

So I wrote to Brian Wilson at the Scottish Tartan Authority and asked for ALL information he might have no matter how small and this is the email I got back about all the different versions: ( I find it funny that all versions have the same notes: The small Highland clan of Livingstone from the Isle of Lismore and Western Argyll originally bore a Gaelic name spelled in different ways - MacDunsleinhe, Mac-an-Leigh, or Maclea - and they were connected to the Stewarts of Appin. There is also an unconnected Lowland family (Livingston without the 'e') deriving their name from the lands of Levingstoun.) Also #650 was interesting in the fact it says: From W J A Livingstone of Bachuil I am writing Keith Lumsden next. ========================================== The latest notes we have are as follows. You could try Keith Lumsden who may have something in the old Tartan Society records which we believe he holds - research.enquiries@perth.almac.co.uk 650 - From W J A Livingstone of Bachuil. STS notes:

[Kyle2 MacLea]

Good finds again, David! I *thought* 895 looked like a modification of 1003, very similar.

[Canadian Livingstone]

Hi Jerry, I am no expert on this number system, but it I dont think it has been around that long. I believe that David stated that it was the project of the Scottish Tartan Authority. I am sure when they began their own systematic record of tartans, but it seems to have been relatively recent. If you check on our clan website and check out tartan sites you may see some other tartans, but generally alot of the tartan places stock Tartan 1003 and Tartan 1488 which is the MacLea-Livingstone. For some reason Tartan 1003 or your basic red green and black Livingstone tartan seems to be the one that most of the clan wear. I think there are three tartans on the clan site with variations of shade that they are calling 1003. I notice however that from time to time people that can afford it have their own personal or family clan tartan made up. I would imagine that would be an expensive proposition. You should send the picture of you in your kilt with your medals to the Niall Livingstone I am sure he would like a copy of it. regards, Donald (Livingstone) Clink

[Canadian Livingstone]

Hi Kyle, Update on the tartan book search. Our main library has the RObert Bain's book from 1938 and subsequent editions published in 1953, 1961 and 1964 so it will be interesting to compare the tartan black and Red that is my 1989 book with the tartan in the original book. Should be very interesting to see if any of the books contain a Livingstone Tartan that looks like our tartan 1003 that so many are attributing to Robert Bain as if he created it in 1938. Maybe he did for all I know. regards Donald

[Jill Richmond]

Hi there, Just to say that I think that the Livingstone tartan is older than 1938. As I said in an earlier posting, one of my uncles owned a travelling rug in modern Livingstone tartan, and I think he would have acquired it in the mid nineteen thirties. Furthermore, I regret to say that my grandfather did not care for the tartan, and so my eldest uncle and my father, born in 1906 and 1908 respectively, never wore it. Because they were children in the early part of the twentieth century, I suspect that the tartan probably came into being in the nineteenth century, but I can find no proof. So far as I know the Livingstone tartans that are currently available are Ancient Livingstone, Modern Livingstone, Muted Livingstone (my favourite!) - these are all the same sett but the colourings differ - and Dress Livingstone which is different. Jill

[Kyle2 MacLea]

In the spirit of this discussion, let us all remember to celebrate Tartan Day today, as well! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan_Day Kyle=