​Expert designs very own tartan for vital charity

A unique tartan has been gifted to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).

Designed by expert Brian Wilton and donated by the Scottish Tartans Authority, the colourful pattern tells the story of the Scone-based charity through its weave.

The designer joined staff and crew to launch the plaid, which features on the SCAA helicopter’s livery.

Wilton said the design was influenced by the Bruce tartan, marking Robert the Bruce’s connection with Scone.

The tartan predominantly features white on blue – to signify the national flag – and white on red, the universal colours of medical aid agencies.

Wilton said that as ex-RAF aircrew himself, he was delighted to see it featured on the tail of the charity’s new helicopter and hoped the new design would go on to help raise SCAA’s profile throughout Scotland.

We feel so proud to have our very own officially registered Scottish tartan

“Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scotland in 1306 at Scone and the 18th century Bruce tartan gives the inspiration for this 21st century tartan for the Scone-based Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance - the first of its kind in Scotland,” he explained.

“The two predominant elements are white on blue for Scotland's national flag and white on red, the universal colours of medical aid agencies.

"Separating those two symbolic elements are green and black from SCAA’s corporate colours and a grey which - together with the green and blue - symbolise the landscapes and weather over and through which SCAA operates in Scotland.”

Some 200 scarves bearing the tartan went on sale to raise vital funds for the charity and were immediately sold out.

SCAA chief executive David Craig said: “We feel so proud to have our very own officially registered Scottish tartan,” he said. “So much so that we have ensured it features prominently on our recently upgraded helicopter’s livery.”