Scotland unveils bespoke tartan to mark US ties as World Cup 2026 approaches

A new tartan honouring the relationship between Scotland and the United States has been unveiled by the Scottish Government, timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence and Scotland’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. The design was created by Kaci McEwan, a student at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design in Edinburgh.

McEwan’s fabric incorporates precisely numbered threads and distinct colour sections to represent pivotal moments in early American history, including references to the original 13 colonies and the date 4 July. The commission was run as a competition, with US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens serving on the judging panel.

External Affairs Minister Stephen Gethins said Scots were central to the emergence of the United States as an independent nation. “Ever since, those deep bonds of family and friendship have endured, with a diaspora of millions across the US,” he said. “The winning tartan commemorates significant moments in US history, whilst highlighting Scotland’s creative drive to offer a modern symbol of the strong and evolving cultural ties between both countries.”

Gethins added that Scotland’s appearance at the men’s World Cup would give the Scottish Government a platform to showcase the country’s skills and expertise to the United States and beyond.

McEwan said the result had taken time to sink in. “I still can’t quite believe it. When I first read the email, I genuinely thought it must have been sent to everyone and I’d misunderstood it,” she said. “I had to read it a few times before it really sank in that I’d actually won.”

She described the design process as a storytelling exercise rooted in research. “Every thread and colour represents a moment in the journey towards the Declaration of Independence — from the 13 colonies to key dates and even subtle references like the 4th of July,” McEwan said. “Being able to bring that narrative to life through weaving has been such an exciting creative challenge.”