Declaration of Scottish Independence Tartan—Arbroath 1320
The Story of Scotland’s
Fight for Freedom
Woven in Colour and Cloth
Official Registration:
Declaration of Scottish Independence
By Stevie Sim, the Tartan Artisan®, Arbroath
Page updated 19th September, 2025
WHERE THE STORY BEGINS
In 2014, I was inspired to create the Declaration of Arbroath Tartan—also known as the Declaration of Scottish Independence or simply the Independence Tartan.
The idea took hold during a remarkable time when Saltire and Lion Rampant flags flooded every corner of Scotland—streets, homes, and public spaces alike—as the nation prepared for the Scottish Independence Referendum.
That powerful wave of national pride and identity moved me deeply. It compelled me to give these symbols form and substance in a tartan—something tangible that captures not just the bold colours and images, but also the spirit, passion, and emotions coursing through that historic moment.
This flood of Scottish colours and the heartfelt energy behind them became the true spark for the design. It was my way to honour both Scotland’s past and present, and to create a lasting emblem reflecting the nation’s ongoing fight for freedom and self-determination.
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The Declaration of Scottish Independence tartan weaves together three of Scotland’s most cherished symbols into a rich tapestry of history, legend, and meaning
It brings to life the courageous Lion Rampant, the steadfast Ancient Saltire, and the mythical Unicorn—each thread telling a story that honours Scotland’s heritage, its struggles, and its enduring spirit.
Through this tartan, history, intrigue, and myth combine to celebrate the heart and soul of Scotland.
THE STORY WITHIN THE WEAVE:
The PAST—THE LION RAMPANT
The memorial within the tartan's heart observes 13 red and 20 yellow threads holding the weight of history—and marking the pivotal year 1320 when the Declaration of Arbroath was sealed. This sacred letter boldly declared Scotland’s unyielding spirit and right to freedom, and those threads carry that proud legacy within the fabric itself.
Their precise arrangement pays homage to the Royal Standard of Scotland, famously known as the Banner of King Robert the Bruce.
The bold red threads evoke the Lion Rampant within the weave—a fearless emblem of courage and defiance—a testament to Scotland’s relentless fight for independence that has echoed through the centuries.
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The seven yellow threads paired with seven black threads weave in the timeless legend of Robert Bruce and the spider—an ancient tale of relentless grit and unwavering hope. As the story goes, when Robert Bruce faced despair and defeat, he found strength watching a small spider tirelessly spin its web, falling time and again but never giving up. This humble creature’s perseverance sparked a fire within the King, reminding us all: “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.” This enduring symbol of resilience is forever threaded into the fabric of Scotland’s spirit.
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The tartan’s set size of 329 threads is a solemn tribute to the life and death of King Robert the Bruce—Scotland’s heroic monarch who passed in 1329. This legendary figure stands at the very heart of the nation’s story, a warrior king whose unyielding courage and vision forged Scotland’s path to freedom. His legacy courses through every thread, shaping the soul of this tartan as a timeless symbol of resilience, leadership, and the relentless spirit of Scotland.
- The striking green and claret-red hues, woven into bold geometric stripes, evoke the ancient, battle-scarred heather moorlands and blood-stained fields where Robert the Bruce and his armies fought, and countless Scots gave their lives for freedom.
SPIRIT OF THE DECLARATION
The tartan tells a story beyond its colours and patterns—it captures the spirit of Scotland’s defining moment.
I created the tartan with geometry being inspired by iconic symbols and historical milestones: SCARLET and YELLOW forming the Lion Rampant, while WHITE and AZURE-BLUE created the Saltire, symbols of Scotland’s courage and identity—Maroon standing for sacrifice, black for Bruce’s grit, and navy with the azure shade marking important dates.
Yet, I think the tartan’s soul rests in its aged parchment tones—weathered hues born where black, maroon, and navy cross bright yellow. These subtle khaki hues quietly echo the fragile letter of the Declaration of Arbroath document itself, Scotland’s bold statement of freedom, and one of its most treasured artefacts. More than a simple design, this tartan (and its woven cloth) remembers Scotland’s journey and spirit, through every thread—and I hope it will be a lasting tribute to the nation’s heart.
An ANCIENT SALTIRE
At the centre of the design rests the white cross against a azure-blue field—a proud tribute to the Ancient Saltire, Scotland’s timeless flag, believed to have flown since AD 832 and one of the world’s oldest continuously used national banners.
This pivot in the tartan honours the legend of Saint Andrew’s Cross—the white cross said to have appeared as a bright cloud in a blue sky on the eve of a decisive battle, bringing hope and courage. Today, the Saltire remains a proud symbol of Scotland’s past and its bright future.
In creating this part of the tartan, I honoured the Saltire’s precise proportions—the white bar carefully set to one-fifth the width of the blue field—to keep true to its historic form and spirit within the weave. This steady white and blue section serves as a visual anchor, weaving Scotland’s past and present together with a quiet hope for what lies ahead.
The Present
- The 20 dark red threads, along with the 14, 6, and 4 dark blue threads woven between them, mark the date April 6th, 2014—a special day that marks both the creation of this tartan and Tartan Day celebrations during Homecoming Scotland 2014. Tartan Day itself is celebrated worldwide, commemorating Scottish heritage and the signing of the historic Declaration of Arbroath on April 6th, 1320. This day carries deep significance in Scotland and across the Scottish diaspora as a symbol of pride and identity.
- This year also marks the Scottish Independence Referendum—a defining moment when Scotland stood up to claim its democratic right to shape its own future. The tartan honors that powerful choice, reflecting the nation’s ongoing journey. It also pays respect to the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, a fierce clash that showed Scotland’s unyielding commitment to freedom.
- The dark red threads holds a weighty significance—a solemn reminder of the thousands who gave everything during Scotland’s Wars of Independence. Their courage is forever threaded through the fabric of this tartan.
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I was deeply honoured to witness the official ratification of this tartan by the Scottish Government on St. Andrew’s Day, December 1st, 2014. This important milestone marked its formal acceptance and place within Scotland’s rich and living cultural tapestry.
The registration process involves a careful review by the Scottish Register of Tartans to ensure each design is authentic, unique, and holds a personal connection to its name.
Being officially recorded is more than just a formal moment—it’s a quiet, heartfelt acknowledgment of the tartan’s sacred role in keeping Scotland’s heritage alive. This honour stands above the rich maroon beneath it, a colour that whispers of the countless lives given in sacrifice during the wars for freedom.
The Future
When I designed this tartan, the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath—April 6th, 2020—was still ahead. I chose the 4 and 6 blue threads, along with 20 dark red and 20 white threads, to quietly mark that milestone. Back then, that part of the design held a hopeful promise for Scotland’s future—a reflection of its ongoing path toward greater freedom and self-determination.
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Now that milestone has passed, and the seven-colour Declaration tartan stands as a vibrant symbol of Scotland’s enduring story—a woven tribute to resilience, hope, and dreams that live on with every new generation.
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As Scotland moves forward, this tartan holds both the lessons of the past and the hopes for what lies ahead.
And for me personally, that spirit of freedom and heritage continues to lead the way—like with my recent Star-Spangled Banner tartan, born alongside the Declaration of Scottish Independence design and now fully realised, a new chapter reflecting the values and stories we hold dear.
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The MYTHICAL UNICORN
When I first designed the Declaration of Arbroath Tartan, the mythical Unicorn of Scotland was never part of my conscious plan. It appeared almost mysteriously, as the tartan’s design revealed itself. The solid white square formed where the two white stripes crossed first caught my attention—it disrupted the pure Saltire image I originally envisioned for the geometry, which I intended to be a solid white.
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Eventually, it dawned on me that this modest white square could actually mean something powerful: the symbol of Scotland’s national animal, the unicorn. Traditionally chained—a fierce and dangerous beast if freed—it represents nobility, innocence, joy, and strength.
This unintended emblem added a new layer of meaning, linking the tartan to a deep-rooted Scottish mythology beyond its initial symbolism.
EVOLUTION OF THE DESIGN:
In time, and intrigued by the unicorn’s unexpected emergence, I later went on to design a separate tartan, called “Unicorn of Scotland”. However, the Scottish Register of Tartans respectfully denied my application to register it—due to UK heraldic laws. "The unicorn emblem is reserved exclusively for the monarchy and cannot be claimed by any private individual or group."
This legal restriction meant the word “unicorn” could not appear in any registered tartan name, forcing me to find a creative workaround. After much deliberation I registered an amended variant of the design as “Monoceros”—the Latin name for the constellation representing a unicorn in the northern sky. This tartan echoes the pure white and grey shades of the mythical creature, with a gold stripe symbolising the unicorn’s horn—with a cluster of fine grey stripes depicting the Monoceros star chart.
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Monoceros became my way of honouring the unicorn’s spirit—the guardian, the dreamer, and the symbol of resilience—while respectfully navigating the rules that sought to contain it. I think it stands as a testament to freedom and creativity in the face of institutional constraints, echoing the themes that run through the Declaration of Arbroath Tartan itself.
As it stands now (in late 2025) the rogue tartan—UNICORN OF SCOTLAND—remains unseen, and chained, but I do imagine (and hope) in time ...it will be freed.
THE DECLARATION TARTAN
Celebrating Scotland’s past, present, and future.
THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER
A Tartan from Arbroath, Made with Respect for Freedom, History, and Hope
I’m a born and bred Red Lichtie, raised in Arbroath, Angus Scotland, and proud to carry that name. I’m also proud to be a Freeman of this historic town. Growing up here, the spirit of freedom and the stories of legacy woven through our Scottish heritage have always been close to me. The Declaration of Arbroath Tartan grew from all of that—it inspired me to explore further as an artist and keep sharing these stories through my work.
Moved by the strong flame of freedom stretching beyond Scotland, and inspired by the symbols of another nation’s fight for independence, I began a new chapter—a story linking two nations shaped by hardship, hope, and the desire to be free.
The Star-Spangled Banner Tartan grew from this vision—a tribute to the American spirit of resilience that feels deeply connected to my Scottish heritage.
It tells the story of the flag that rose over Fort McHenry after a fierce battle, standing strong as a symbol of hope, freedom, and unity.
Though the Star-Spangled Banner tartan began its journey alongside the Declaration of Arbroath tartan back in 2014, it has only recently come fully to life. It beats with the shared spirit of liberty and perseverance—a continuous dance weaving past, present, and future to keep those values burning bright.
For me, this tartan is a woven bridge, uniting traditions and ideals. Its colors blend the American flag with the timeless craft of Scotland's looms, symbolizing solidarity across oceans and histories. Every thread, I think, has intent—honoring past struggles, celebrating today's freedoms, and hopeful for what lies ahead.
As an artist—and maybe a bit of a dreamer—I see my work as a humble way to honour that timeless spirit of resilience, one that echoes strongly both across Scotland and throughout the American homelands.
At its heart, I see this tartan as a reminder—that the fight for freedom isn’t over, reaching across time and space to bind us all together. I hope when you look at it, you catch a glimpse of the strength we still carry—and find a spark of hope for the days ahead.
Star-Spangled Banner Limited Edition Print Series
The Star-Spangled Banner tartan is now available as a LIMITED EDITION PRINT SERIES that celebrates the past and present chapters of this iconic pattern.
Explore the two distinctive colourways:
ANCIENT FADED — evoking the timeless spirit and history behind the design
BRIGHT MODERN — a bold, vibrant expression of enduring freedom and hope
Each print is crafted with archival quality, perfect for collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone who values heritage woven into art.
Star-Spangled Banner
(Flag of 1814)
Learn About the Tartan Rationales
— The differences in the two variants
Ltd Edition Fine Art Collectibles
— Browse the Star-Spangled Banner print editions & order
Happy anniversary year, America!
Steven Patrick Sim
The Tartan Artisan®, Freeman of Aberbothock, SCOTLAND
Cheers!
Stevie
