Scottish Register of Tartans · No. 13663 · MMXXII

Northman

A Scandinavian tartan, which with its color composition tells the story of when the Scandinavians set sail about 1200 years ago. They explored the world. From east to the west. They were traders and raiders. Some of them ended up in Alba, or Scotland as we call it today...

Enter the Collection Read the Saga

Travelled · Raided · Settled

Chapter I — The Voyage

Chapter One

The story of a homecoming

Northman is intended to tell the story of how the Scandinavians travelled, raided and later settled in Scotland.

Where the older Dellenkilten tartans drew their names from the lakes of Hälsingland and from Odin himself, Northman steps beyond the local frame into a broader Viking-age story. Scandinavians sailing west between 800 and 1050 AD — raiding, then settled; intermarriage; weaving new family ties into Scottish soil.

It is the tartan of the journey, and of the paradox it resolves: A Scandinavian pattern, prepared for weaving in Scotland on Lochcarron's looms. A Scandinavian kilt that is, finally, a coming home. But for whom? The Scandinavians or the Scots or perhaps their descendants all over the world....

Chapter Two

Colours and thread count

Every thread of the Northman sett carries intent. The meanings below are recorded, verbatim, with the Scottish Register of Tartans.

Grey

The horizon in the distance — dreams and longing.
Brown

The Earth, wood and ships — strength and hard work.
Black

New seeds sprouting — and new life.
Blue

The travel routes of the Scandinavians, 800–1050 AD.
Red

The blood spilled, the new family ties — love and passion.

Chapter Three

Made in Scotland

The fabric we use is woven exclusively for us by Lochcarron of Scotland.

01Our Northman tartan is woven in their Strome Heavy Weight fabric.
02Tailored for you by Lochcarron's highly skilled kiltmakers.
03Sustainable Scottish craftsmanship in Swedish design and storytelling traditions.