The Duchess Disappeared

Author’s NoteThe question which is so often asked about the tartan is, who is entitled to wear it? Strictly speaking the answer is that only those whose families possess tartans of their own Clan historically have a right to assume them. But, as this rule is broken by a vast majority, there is no likelihood of it being generally accepted. In 1746 an Act was passed by the English making it illegal for Highlanders either to own or to carry arms. A year later the Dress Act was passed, making it an offence for any man or boy ‘to wear or put on the clothes conveniently called Highland clothes, that is to say the plaid, philabeg or little kilt, trowse, shoulder belt or any part whatsoever of what peculiarly belongs to the Highland garb’. For thirty-five years the hated Act remained on the statute book and the tartan was worn legally only by the Army. It was repealed in 1783, but it was first George IV and then Queen Victoria who found Scotland and Scottish dress so fascinating. Once settled in Aberdeenshire, the Queen gave full rein to her interest in everything that concerned Highland life and Balmoral Castle was a riot of tartan. The herbs mentioned in this story are those prescribed by the greatest herbalist of all time, Nickolas Culpepper.