Tartan is such an iconic symbol of Scotland - but what is the story behind this colourful cloth? Tartan is made from wool and is woven in a special way with different colours and a checked pattern. The colours and the pattern can symbolise the identity of a specific Clan. Tartan as we know it today is actually not that old. When King George IV visited Scotland in 1822 many of the Scottish clan chiefs were asked to meet the King in their family colours and the modern idea of traditional Scottish dress and tartan was born.
Do you own any tartan garments?
A news clip on tartan weaving.
Use this video as a short listening practice on accents.
Practice listening to a Scottish accent and try to finish these sentences from the video:
- 'Rob Beaton was born during the second world war and started weaving in a mill when...'
...he was just fourteen.'
- 'My wife wants...
...me to retire. All my friends want me to retire.'
- 'A certain American singer once phoned the factory personally...
... but Rob's boss had never heard of her.'
- 'He's not ready to stop until he finds that elusive apprentice who...
... cares as much for this craft as he does.'
Listening Tips
- - Listen to many different accents
- - Don't worry if you don't understand at first
- - Listen more than once
- - Use English subtitles if necessary
