top of page

The Red Thistle Tribute Tartans
- in recognition of the many decades of dance, music, and dedication and to all those who have made this possible -
​
Tartan designs by Deborah Savage, all tartans recorded in the  
The Scottish Register of Tartans
.

Red Thistle
 
Designed as a tribute to The Red Thistle Dancers, a Scottish Country and Highland Dance performance group based in the San Francisco Bay Area, who take as their namesake, the California native red thistle.
 
This tartan is based on the California State tartan, birthplace of The Red Thistle Dancers in 1973.
​
Colours:
 
Highland Green: for the Scottish Highlands of Highland Dancing
Parchment: for the Scroll of Honour awarded to the Directors of The Red Thistle Dancers by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
Reds and crimsons: for the California red thistle native species (Cirsium occidentale and Cirsium arizonicum)

Red Thistle (Dress)
 
The dress version of the Red Thistle tartan was designed to commemorate the 500th performance of The Red Thistle Dancers in 2019. The Red Thistle Dancers, founded in 1973, are a Scottish Country & Highland Dance and Music Performance group based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
 
This tartan is based on the California State tartan, birthplace of The Red Thistle Dancers.
​
Colours:
 
Tamarillo: For the dark reds of the California red thistle species
Orange White: For the thistledown of the red thistle flower as it transitions to its mature stage
Parchment: representing the Scroll of Honour for achievement by all the Directors of The Red thistle Dancers
Brick Red: For the true reds of the California red thistle species
Crimson: For the deep crimsons of the California red thistle species
Nobel Grey: For recognition of and achievement represented by all members of The Red Thistle Dancers and Musicians past and present

Red Thistle (Dance)
 
Designed as a tribute to the dancers, musicians, founders, and friends of the Red Thistle Dancers, a Scottish Country and Highland Dance performance group from the San Francisco Bay Area, and named for California’s native red thistle. The tartan marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of this group. The colours are intended to reflect the vibrant hues of the California native red thistle species, Cirsium occidentale and Cirsium arizonicum, under a blue sky.
 ​
Colours:
 
Reds and Crimsons: For the spectrum of light and dark reds of the California red thistle species
White: for a dress and dance background for the other colourways
Black: for traditional highland and Scottish Country dancing ghillies
Azure blue: For California skies

The Red Thistle Dancers
- Scottish Dancing & Music  -

bottom of page