Published on:
21
September 2022
Secondary school pupils who live or study in Clackmannanshire are being invited to design the county’s first official tartan in a competition initiated by Provost Donald Balsillie.
The Provost launched the competition today (Wednesday) and invited learners in S1-S6 across Clackmannanshire to design a tartan that will be the first to represent their home county.
Provost Balsillie said: “I am delighted to launch this competition. The creation of a Clackmannanshire tartan is something I am passionate about and I’m pleased that it will be designed by a local young person, giving the pupil the chance to go down in history as its creator. The judges will be looking for something that reflects Clackmannanshire’s landscape, history, culture and heritage and I’m really looking forward to seeing the designs.”
The competition is being facilitated through FIDA – The Futures Institute at Dollar Academy – who have produced resources that will be freely available to learners and teachers looking to take part in the competition. Young people will learn about tartan and its design principles from expert designers and weavers, as well as explore the rich industrial heritage and natural environment of Clackmannanshire to inspire their designs.
As with all FIDA challenges, sustainability is a key factor, with young people having to consider the sustainability of the fabric itself and how to minimise waste. They will also be asked to submit ideas for potential products made from the tartan that would bring social and economic benefits to the local community.
Ian Munro, Rector of Dollar Academy and founder of FIDA, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to collaborate with the Provost and other schools in the county to deliver this exciting competition, particularly given the rich heritage of textile manufacturing in Clackmannanshire.”
The judging panel will include the Provost, together with Claire Hunter of Taffled Threads and Lesley Thornton of Crimson Kilts, both based in Clackmannanshire. McCall’s Highlandwear has kindly offered prizes worth £300 with a number of other local businesses and organisations, including Ceteris, supporting the competition.
The competition is open to all learners currently in S1-S6 who live or study in Clackmannanshire. It launches during Sustainable Fashion Week on 21st September 2022, with a closing date of 30th November 2022. To take part, or for further information including full competition rules, please visit the website.