Forbes tartan
Clan tartan of Clan Forbes.
This sett appears in Wilson of Bannockburn's 1819 pattern book, the earliest firm record of it. A later tradition credits a Miss Forbes with designing it in 1822, but the Register treats that story as doubtful given the earlier printing. It was also worn historically by the Liverpool Scottish, a volunteer regiment with Forbes connections.
Thread count
B/32 K4 B8 K4 B8 K24 G32 K4 WW8 K4 G32 K24 B32 K4 B/8Each letter is a colour and each number a count of threads. The slashes mark the pivots: the pattern runs to the end, then reverses back on itself.
Colours
- B — Blue
- K — Black
- G — Green
- WW — Wilson White
Shades follow the Register's palette for this entry. Woven cloth varies by mill and by colourway.
Get the kilt
When you order a kilt, ask for the tartan by its full name — for example “Forbes” — and say which colourway you want. “Modern” is dark and strong, “ancient” is lighter, “weathered” is muted. The sett is the same in each.
We are choosing retailers we trust and will list them here soon.
Wear the colours
Our own Forbes range is on its way: the name, the tartan and the motto on a heavyweight tee, a hoodie and a mug. About the shop.
