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Textile Trades

Discover how textile manufacture played a vital rolein the Scottish economy.

Scottish textiles sold throughout the world, with cotton the main fabric manufactured in the west of Scotland.

Scottish style

Tweeds and tartans made their contribution to high fashion, and for several decades there was a huge demand for shawls made in Paisley in a distinctive pattern that has ever since been identified with the town (Case 8). Dundee-made jute was used on every continent (Case 2). Less well known is the distinctive fabric made in the Vale of Leven (Case 5).

Knitting

The handknitting tradition continued long after machine knitting had become common, and Shetland knitting, along with the well-known Fair Isle pattern, survived on a commercial basis (Case 6).

All the rage

But of all Scottish-made fabrics, tartan is the best known, recognised throughout the world as an emblem of Scotland. It became fashionable in the 19th century, boosted by George IV's visit to Edinburgh in 1822. The king himself sported a tartan outfit. Later, Queen Victoria's enthusiasm for Scotland and the royal family's taste for Highland dress further popularised tartan.