In the 1819 Key Pattern Book of William Wilson & Sons, suppliers of tartan to the military, noted about the Black Watch tartan: “This is said to be the Munro Tartan – but it is far more probable that it is the Campbell Tartan.” There is also the possibility that the pattern was a popular one worn by many different clans throughout the Highlands.In 1793 George III asked the Duke of Argyll to raise a regiment. Argyll then delegated this task to Duncan Campbell of Lochnell and the following year the 98th Argyllshire Highlanders were founded. Lochnell dressed the regiment in the Black Watch Tartan , which the Campbells thought of as their own. Today, anyone can wear the Black Watch tartan. It is clear that for at least 270 years, the Black Watch tartan has been worn by Scottish soldiers. At times, regiments have worn lighter shades and some darker, but the essential pattern, worn historically by Rob Roy’s sons, has stayed the same and is a symbol of Scottish loyalty, courage and sacrifice.
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