When one thinks of Scotland, many iconic images come to mind; rolling green hills, ancient castles, and Nessie swimming in her loch. Even more memorable than these, however, is the patterned fabric which has come to symbolize Scottish culture itself: Tartan is the only textile design in the world of which a tiny scrap can evoke such feelings of pride, such identification with the historical struggles of Scots, and identification with those desirable traits associated with being Scottish - honesty, industriousness and bravery in battle.*

Although tartan-style fabrics have a very long history – a good portion of it not Scottish – today these textiles are most famous as badges of identification. Specific colors and their arrangements function as a symbolic language in their own right, representing individuals, families and clans, as well as professional groups, companies, and organizations. To the huge international family of Scots and their descendants - estimated at 40 to 60 million around the globe - tartan represents everything that is admirable and wholesome about the land of their fathers.*

This design celebrates all past, present, and future personnel and achievements attached to the Mercian Regiment. Formed on 1st September 2007 and recruited from five English counties that formed the ancient kingdom of Mercia, it is known as ‘The Heart of England’s Infantry’. This Tartan encompasses some of the colours associated with the Mercian Regiment. Black is also for the continual respect for all fallen Mercian Regiment comrades.**

*http://www.tartansauthority.com/tartan/

** https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails?ref=12068