Article: NORTH SEA OIL ...the Story within the Threads
NORTH SEA OIL ...the Story within the Threads
The Commemorative Tartan
Tartan #10766 – The complete rationale
Stevie here from Arbroath.
The North Sea Oil tartan means a great deal to me personally. Living on Scotland's east coast, I walk the Arbroath cliffs and gaze past Bell Rock Lighthouse to the North Sea. The oil rigs on the horizon — even the one stationed just offshore late 2025 — remind me daily of the workers' courage and sacrifice.
It was an honour to create this tartan (...way back in 2009, hard to believe!) I wanted to capture not just Scotland's industrial transformation, but the very human stories behind it — stories that touch hearts and carry real memories for so many families.
I hope I've woven their courage into every thread.
Why This Tartan Matters
I designed the North Sea Oil tartan to pay tribute to Scotland's black gold — recognising the incredible economic significance of oil while remembering the challenges and personal sacrifices made by the oil and gas workers who braved the North Sea.
This tartan carries their story forward, woven into the colours and sett of the weave.
Crude Oil …in a Pickle Jar!
The tartan pays special tribute to Brendan McKeown OBE (1925-2011), the petroleum engineer who brought ashore Britain's first North Sea oil sample — carried in a pickle jar on 16th September 1969.
This was the seminal moment that changed Scotland's history forever. I registered the tartan 45 years later on the anniversary — 16th September 2014.
Scroll down to explore the full gallery of North Sea Oil tartan images, then continue reading the story in the threads below...
The Flame of Prosperity, and Remembrance
The flame motif in this tartan first celebrates the energy and impact of Scotland’s oil era — the flare booms burning against the dark North Sea, the activity, and the sense of possibility they brought with them. It speaks of industrial light in the darkness, the excitement around new discoveries, and the prosperity that flowed from Scotland’s black gold.
At the same time, that same flame holds a quieter meaning — a gentle, respectful nod to the lives lost and the sacrifices made within the offshore industry, including those touched by Piper Alpha on 6th July 1988. I hope it serves as a respectful thread of remembrance, woven in to honour their service and courage.
Colours & Geometry — The Full Story
The tartan's colours and design tell the complete journey of North Sea oil:
BLACK, BROWN & GOLD create raw crude oil's palette. The gold spark represents those iconic flare booms lighting North Sea horizons.
BLACK PIVOT marks oil well discovery — the radiating black stripe shows extraction flowing to market.
BLUE flows for the North Sea itself, weaving darker with black to show the gas industry that followed.
The Oil Capital of Europe
LIGHT & DARK GREY STRIPES capture sedimentary seabed layers, with the pivot showing seismic mapping. Most importantly, three prominent light grey stripes represent Aberdeen's three castles from the city's Coat of Arms.
Aberdeen earned its title as Europe's Oil Capital through decades of innovation and enterprise in North Sea development.
The Official Registered Rationale
As recorded with the Scottish Register of Tartans:
Created to commemorate North Sea Oil, the tartan recognises oil's economic significance — Scotland's black gold — while remembering challenges and sacrifices made by oil and gas workers.
The tartan pays tribute to Brendan McKeown OBE, bringing ashore the UK's first North Sea oil sample in a pickle jar, 16th September 1969 — a seminal moment in Scotland's industrial history.
The North Sea Oil tartan was established 45 years later on the anniversary, 16th September 2014.
The tartan serves as respectful memorial to lives lost offshore, the flame remembering Piper Alpha, 6th July 1988.
Geometry depicts exploration, discovery, and development. Colours tell the full story: black, brown, gold for crude and flares; blue for North Sea and gas; grey stripes for seabed and Aberdeen's three castles — Oil Capital of Europe.
Want to Wear This Story?
The North Sea Oil kilt brings this tartan to life. If you're ready to carry this history, you'll find every detail there:
Discover the North Sea Oil Kilt →
A Toast from Stevie
"North Sea Oil isn't just a tartan — it's Scotland's industrial heartbeat woven in wool. Every thread carries their courage."
— Steven Patrick Sim, The Tartan Artisan
Thank you for honouring these stories through tartan.
Stevie — Arbroath, Scotland
Quick Links
Official Registration
Scottish Register of Tartans #10766
- Created: 16 June 2009
- Registered: 16 January 2013
- Category: Commemorative
Written by Steven Patrick Sim
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