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Scotland-America tartan to celebrate 250 years of cultural ties

News imageHeriot-Watt University A woman's hand hovers over a strip of tartanHeriot-Watt University
The winning design will be announced this summer

Students at a Scottish university have been asked to design a tartan to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence.

Heriot-Watt University was invited by the Scottish Government to create the tartan to symbolise historical and cultural ties between the countries.

Students from Heriot-Watt's school of textiles and design in Galashiels have submitted ideas, with the winning design to be revealed in the summer.

The design will be registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority as the official tartan of America250 - the group organising anniversary events in the US.

The first run will be produced at Lovat Mill in Hawick, with the winning student travelling to Washington DC to present the tartan.

Five students - Grace Nicholls, Kaci McEwan, Elisabeth Fandke, Iris Morley and Megan Beattie - have been shortlisted.

The university said the inspiration behind their designs was "as diverse as the samples they've woven".

Prof Fiona Grant, executive dean of the school of textiles and design, said: "It's a remarkable opportunity to contribute to a project of real cultural - and lasting - importance while showcasing the breadth of skill, creativity and innovation that define Heriot-Watt's school of textiles and design."

News imageHeriot-Watt University A group of three young women stands smiling - one has dark hair, they other two have lighter blonde hair. Another older woman is closest to the camera with dark hair.Heriot-Watt University
Megan Beattie, Elisabeth Fandke and Grace Nicholl are among those to have their designs shortlisted

Each submission had to meet criteria including historical and cultural relevance, creativity and originality, public appeal and the potential for ceremonial and commercial use.

Mark Boyce, head of Scottish Government USA - Scotland's representative office in the US - said: "The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is a moment to reflect on the long and historic ties between the United States and Scotland.

"A commemorative tartan is the perfect symbol of this interwoven relationship that continues to thrive through trade, education, culture and diaspora."

The project is part of a wider programme of activity around America250 and the role Scottish immigrants played in shaping the history of the United States.