Heriot-Watt student wins competition to design tartan marking 250 years of US independence
A Heriot-Watt University student has won an historic competition to design a commemorative tartan marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Kaci McEwan, a postgraduate student from Strathaven in South Lanarkshire, has been selected as the winning designer for the prestigious commission led by the Scottish Government. Kaci is graduating this year from Heriot-Watt University’s MA Fashion and Textile Design programme, where she specialises in woven textiles.
To now have my work recognised on such an international scale is incredibly exciting, and I’m so grateful for the guidance and encouragement I’ve had throughout my studies.
Her design will serve as an official symbol celebrating the historic and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States. The tartan uses carefully structured thread counts and colour sequencing to reflect key moments in America’s journey to independence.
Recalling how she felt when learning she won the competition, Kaci said: ““I still can’t quite believe it. When I first read the email, I genuinely thought it must have been sent to everyone and I’d misunderstood it. I had to read it a few times before it really sank in that I’d actually won. It feels incredibly surreal, but also really rewarding, because I put so much time and care into researching and developing the design.
“For me, the tartan was about telling a story. Every thread and colour represents a moment in the journey towards the Declaration of Independence — from the 13 colonies to key dates and even subtle references like the 4th of July. Being able to bring that narrative to life through weaving has been such an exciting creative challenge.
“Looking back, this opportunity really reflects the kind of experience I’ve had at Heriot-Watt. I’ve been encouraged to think creatively, push my ideas further and take on opportunities I might not have otherwise considered. This competition was something I was encouraged to apply for, and that support has made a huge difference.
“To now have my work recognised on such an international scale is incredibly exciting, and I’m so grateful for the guidance and encouragement I’ve had throughout my studies. It’s been an amazing journey, and this really feels like a special way to mark the end of it.”
Professor Fiona Grant, Executive Dean for the School of Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt University, added: “This is a fantastic achievement for Kaci, and I would like to offer my warmest congratulations on creating such a thoughtful and compelling design. The creativity, research and storytelling behind her work is truly impressive and it will be wonderful to see it play a part in such a significant international celebration.
“I would also like to recognise the outstanding contribution of all the students who took part. The quality of submissions was exceptionally high, reflecting the talent, dedication and innovation that define our School.
“Opportunities like this, working on a live international brief of genuine cultural significance, are incredibly rare, and they speak to the distinctive, real-world experiences available to Heriot-Watt students. We are immensely proud to see our students representing Scotland’s creativity and heritage on a global stage.”
Students from Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design were commissioned and funded by the Scottish Government to create a tartan symbolising the historic and cultural ties between Scotland and the United States.
Kaci McEwan’s design was selected from five shortlisted entries by an expert panel, which included the US Ambassador to the UK.
Minister for External Affairs Stephen Gethins said: “Celebrating 250 years of American independence strengthens the enduring bonds between America and Scotland – bonds which act as a bridge between our past, and our future, as two proud nations.
“The winning tartan commemorates a significant moment in US history, whilst highlighting Scotland’s creative drive to offer a modern symbol of the strong and evolving cultural ties between both countries.
“I warmly congratulate Kaci McEwan on this outstanding achievement, and commend all those shortlisted for their exceptional work in bringing this shared history to life. Each of the shortlisted designs reflected a deep appreciation of the historic ties between Scotland and the United States.
“As we prepare to showcase Scotland on the world stage at the World Cup, the Scottish Government will continue empowering our communities and sectors to highlight the skills and expertise we have to offer.”
As part of the recognition, Kaci will travel to Washington D.C. to formally present the tartan to the America250 organisation on Independence Day. The tartan will be officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans as the commemorative design for the anniversary.
An initial run of commemorative tartan scarves will be produced at Lovat Mill in the Scottish Borders.