Unveiling Of A New Tartan To Celebrate The 2014 Ryder Cup

Even if you are not a fan of golf, you would hazard a pretty good guess as to the possible venue of this august competition in 2014 if you were told that a new tartan had been unveiled in its honour.
Yes, that’s right, you’re spot on, it’s being held in Scotland, at Gleneagles in Perth and Kinross-shire to be exact.,and the creation of the tartan in question has been a studied affair, with input from the European team captain Paul McGinley.

Luckily First Minister Alex Salmond and European Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills just happened to be on hand at Lochcarron of Scotland in Selkirk for the unveiling event.  Trying hard not to get completely carried away, the design features four shades of blue inspired by Scotland's landscape, white to hint at elements of the Saltire, and blue and gold to reflect the core colours of the European flag. It will be available in ties, scarves, trousers and kilts.

Mr Salmond said he was delighted to be part of the launch. "Tartan's importance to Scotland cannot be overestimated," he said. It is deeply embedded in Scottish culture and is an internationally recognised symbol of Scotland therefore this beautiful tartan is the perfect way for the Ryder Cup to celebrate its return to the home of golf."

Mr McGinley said he was "very honoured" to have been part of the design process. While it was obviously important that the tartan was uniquely Scottish to reflect the host nation of the 2014 Ryder Cup, I also wanted it to illustrate the continent of Europe that we will all be representing at Gleneagles next September," he said.

"I think we have done that superbly with the subtle blending of the blue and gold of the European flag."

Daniel Kim, of Lochcarron of Scotland, said the company was "really excited" to be part of the project. "We have paid careful attention to ensure the design reflects the unique quality and drama of the most treasured trophy in golf, while still paying close tribute to the Scottish heritage behind the game," he said.

The new tartan can breathe a sigh of relief as it has been approved by the Scottish Registrar of Tartans, which is just as well. The Ryder Cup will take place at Gleneagles in September of next year.