According to the Scots Language Centre, the word plaid originally comes from the Gaelic word plaide, meaning blanket. Nowadays, when we hear the word plaid, we think of distinctive checked patterns seen on flannel shirts. Some of these plaid patterns originate from Scottish tartans.

The Scottish Registry of Tartans is an official registry of restricted tartan patterns that are only supposed to be worn by certain people or groups. A quick search on their website reveals the official Balmoral Tartan that can only be worn by the Royal Family, the Piper to the Sovereign, or the Balmoral Estate Pipers. The US Special Forces also have a registered tartan that service members must provide documented proof of service in order to purchase this fabric.

Fortunately for flannel shirt lovers everywhere, Blackwatch plaid is an open tartan for anyone to wear. This plaid pattern originated in the 1700’s when King George I formed a peacekeeping force in Scotland using loyal Highland clans in response to the First Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. The Jacobites, or supporters of the deposed Roman Catholic King James II’s descendants, wanted to restore his son, James Frances Edward Stuart, to the throne.

This new militia was known as “The Black Watch” both because they were unpopular with the public and they wore dark colored tartan uniforms. Over time, the distinctive pattern became associated with bravery. In World War I, Blackwatch kilt wearing bagpipers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland led the charge in the trenches against German soldiers who nicknamed them the “Ladies from Hell” for their skirt-wearing extreme courage.

Modern history aside, “plaide” was originally made to keep people warm, and before tartans became restricted or associated with clans, they were first made by individual weavers over 1000 years ago who wanted to create beautiful designs. The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Blackwatch Plaid Blanket pattern was designed to keep your brave lad or lass warm and safe in a modern take on a classic design that can be found in the DaisyGardenCrochet Ravelry Store.

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