Aspiring designers poised to make history with America-250th celebration

As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, students from Heriot-Watt University have been offered an historic opportunity to create a contribution from Scotland. They’re at the heart of a unique project to design the commemorative America-250th tartan, which will be presented in Washington D.C. this summer.

Heriot-Watt University was invited by the Scottish Government USA to create a tartan symbolising the enduring historical and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States. Students from the University's School of Textiles and Design have presented their ideas to a panel of experts from both countries, who have selected the winning design. The chosen tartan will be revealed in the summer.

Professor Fiona Grant, Executive Dean of the School of Textiles and Design, said: “We were delighted to be chosen for this special assignment to mark the America250 celebrations.

“It’s a remarkable opportunity to contribute to a project of real cultural - and lasting – importance, while showcasing the breadth of skill, creativity and innovation that define Heriot-Watt's School of Textiles and Design.”

The initiative gives international exposure to Scotland’s emerging textile designers, linking their work to a globally recognised commemoration. It also provides an opportunity for Scottish Government USA to promote Scotland’s strengths in creativity, heritage, higher education and design to audiences across the United States.

“The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is a moment to reflect on the long and historic ties between the United States and Scotland,” said Mark Boyce, Acting Head, Scottish Government USA.

“A commemorative tartan is the perfect symbol of this interwoven relationship that continues to thrive through trade, education, culture and diaspora.

“We 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’s unique tartans and textiles.”

The chosen design will be registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority as the official commemorative tartan for the America-250th organisation. An initial commemorative run will be produced at Lovat Mill in the Scottish Borders, with the winning student then travelling to Washington D.C. to formally present the tartan from Scotland to the USA.

Each submission had to meet specific evaluation criteria. These include the historical and cultural relevance of the tartan design, the creativity and originality of the pattern and supporting narrative, as well as the design’s public appeal and potential for ceremonial and commercial use. Colour palette, warp and weft all contribute to the narrative conveyed, combining tradition with contemporary storytelling.

Five students have been shortlisted, and the inspiration behind their designs is as diverse as the samples they’ve woven:

Grace Nicholl highlighted the vibrancy and heritage of Highland dance through a design inspired by her family’s kilt colours and the rhythmic patterns shared across Scotland and North America.

The journey towards independence is the focus of Kaci McEwan’s tartan, with carefully numbered threads and colour sections referencing key moments in early American history such as the establishment of Jamestown in 1607.

Inspired by Fifeborn Founding Father, James Wilson, Elisabeth Fandke created a design referencing shared Scottish–North American heritage, the Atlantic journey, and the colours and motifs of Independence Hall.

Iris Morley’s tartan celebrates the shared value of liberty between Scotland and the United States, using colours drawn from national symbols and a central sequence of thirteen stripes to mark the original Thirteen Colonies (which broke away from the British Crown in the American War of Independence).

Megan Beattie centred her design on the enduring friendship between Scotland and the United States, using a strong dark base to reflect its foundations and colours from both national flags to reference the relationship today.

The tartan project is part of a wider programme of activity around America-250th and the America-Scotland relationship. Scotland has played a part in shaping America’s history, with many of the Founding Fathers and signatories of the Declaration of Independence of Scottish descent. Scottish immigrants also contributed to the development of American governance, industry and education.

Lovat Mill in Hawick is an established partner of Heriot-Watt University's School of Textiles and Design. It regularly provides placements for fourth year weave students and hosts tours of the mill for students from the school.