The Buchanan tartan is one of the most recognisable popular tartans of the day. However, the unusual asymmetric sett that gives it its attractiveness may actually have been because of a mistake. When McIan was painting his Victorian illustrations in the Clans of Scotland 1845. It is thought that the sample he was using to paint would’ve actually been symmetrical but McIan, who was known for his accuracy paint it asymmetrical and quite quickly this became the sett.
The term ‘modern’ refers to the dye shades, usually darker, whereas 'ancient' colours will generally be lighter.
Threadcount B/8 K4 G12 B8 G12 K4 B8 K4 R16 W4 R16 K4 B8 K4 Y12 K4 Y12 K4
Buchanan Ancient
Buchanan Modern
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The modern Hunting Buchanan tartan comes from the Vestiarium Scoticum. There seems to be no knowledge of the sett before this, and looks like one of the Sobieski Stewarts designs. However, it is still nearly 200 years old.
The term ‘modern’ refers to the dyes shades, usually darker.
Threadcount LB/8 T20 G20 T20 Y4 T20 G20 B20 G8 B20 G20 T40
Buchanan Hunting Modern
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The Buchanan old sett is considered to be the correct version before McIan's asymmetrical painting mishap.
The term ‘ancient’ refers to the dye shades, usually lighter, where as 'modern' refers to darker dye colours. The term ‘weathered’ refers to dye shades trying to imitate the colours of a tartan fragment that was found buried on a battlefield.
Threadcount LB/8 G64 K4 LB8 K4 Y16 K4 Y16 K4 LB8 K4 R64 W/8
Buchanan Old Sett Ancient
Buchanan Old Sett Weathered