Introducing the George Watson’s College Tartan

The creation of the George Watson’s College
Tartan in 2025, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the coming together at Colinton Road of the George Watson’s Ladies' College and George Watson’s Boys'
College.

Inspired by the tartan of the Buchanan clan, of which the Watson’s were a sept, the design weaves the story of our school into every thread. The colours, maroon, navy, green, gold, and white, draw inspiration from our uniform, the school badge, the colours of our World
Champion pipe bands, and our magnificent playing fields. The design also includes a nod to the Lindsay tartan which was adopted into the school uniform in the 1990s and, at the heart of the design, is our cherished motto, with the red overcheck symbolising ‘Love from the Heart’.

The thread count also contains important symbolism including 41 to represent the year 1741, when George Watson’s Hospital was founded; 50 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the school becoming co-educational in 1974; and 8 which honours the 810 Watsonians who died in the world wars of the 20th Century.

The creation of our beautiful bespoke George Watson’s College tartan has been made possible through the generosity of Edinburgh’s renowned Highland dress specialists, Kinloch Anderson. This heartfelt gift offers future generations a unique way to celebrate the legacy of George Watson’s College.

We are delighted to continue our partnership with Kinloch Anderson as the official supplier of our school tartan for Highland dress. If you are looking to purchase kilts, skirts, trousers or other Highland wear, please contact them
directly.