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As nights start getting colder there is no better time to partake in a wee drop of Scotland's iconic dram. Whisky like tartan is popular at home and abroad, both are symbols of Scottish traditions as well as modern developments. The links between tartan and whisky can be seen in the developments of specific tartans. The MacLeod’s owned the Talisker distillery until 1831 and has several tartans registered, including Green MacLeod adopted by the clan society in 1910, and MacLeod Black and Red, registered in 1906. The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre also has its own tartan, as to some of the world’s most famous whisky producers: J&B Whisky, Haig & Haig Whisky, Johnnie Drambuie tartan (and even a Drambuie hunting tartan) a Glenronach tartan, a Glenlivt tartan and a DeWar's tartan. Ballantine’s brand tartan was created by textile design student Leisl Despy as part of a competition. The third biggest Scotch whisky in the world joined forces with Central St Martin’s College of Art and Design in London in the search for a modern tartan to epitomises the heritage of the brand. The competition, which was judged by Scottish artist Jack Vettriano and The Duke of Argyll with the winning tartan will be used on new packaging and items such as kilts and ties. The internationally acclaimed Ballantine’s range sells 5.3 million nine litre cases a year, making it the world’s third biggest whisky. What better way is there to celebrate than wearing a kilt, a bit of tartan plaid, or by sampling a good scotch whisky? You can also add to the occasion with a pewter Quaich or flask. Tartan and Whisky are not just for Scots having links further afield. Although the Tartan of Holland Single Malt Whisky comes from Orkney, Orkney was Scandinavian until the 17th century. The tartan created, Tartan of Holland combines the colours of the Netherlands national flag - red, white and blue - with orange, representing the Royal House of Orange. Its designer Dr Wishart pointed to growing support for Holland to have its own tartan: ‘About 5,000 whisky lovers attend the Dutch Whisky Festival in Leiden each November and many wear kilts for the occasion’ he said. Attendees   Both tartan and whisky have a rich history which adds to their appeal. The Ancient Celts practised distilling to produce uisge beatha meaning ‘water of life’ which evolved into scotch whisky. By the 11th century distillation could be found in Christian monastic sites. Initially whisky, was lauded for its medicinal qualities for the relief of colic, palsy and even smallpox. It became an intrinsic part of Scottish life - a reviver during cold winters, and a welcome to be offered to guests upon arrival. Its increasing popularity attracted the attention of the Scottish parliament, which taxes on it during the17th century. Such taxes increased following The Act of Union with England in 1707, when England set out to tame the clans of Scotland. This year exports of scotch whisky surged by 22% in the first six months of the year, with the equivalent of 570m bottles of whisky sold overseas particularly in Asia and South America. Indeed the Scottish government's is looking to increase exports by 50% by 2017. We should also raise a glass to whisky’s other uses. The creation of awhisky-powered bioenergy plant is looking to power up to 9,000 homes to be powered with energy produced by burning waste from the whisky-making process. This new bioenergy venture involves some of Scotland's best-known distilleries. And last year, scientists at Napier University announced they had developed a method of producing biofuel from the by-products of the distilling process which could power cars and even aircraft! "From the information we have, the project looks to be a very welcome addition to Scotland's renewable industry. It is using waste products from our whisky industry which is eminently sensible thing to do”. It’s certainly something to mull over with a wee dram.    

Le kilt, veritable embleme de l'Ecosse, est une tenue traditionnelle porte principalement par des hommes. Il est generalement fabrique en laine et a plusieurs couleurs et quadrillages ce qu'on appelle "Tartan". Chaque tartan a son propre nom et tres souvent il appartient a un "clan" ou une famille. Cette tenue est compose : Du kilt : jupe plisse qui s'arrette au niveau des genoux. D'un sporran : petite sacoche en cuir ou en fourrure, accroche a la taille. D'un sgian dubh : petit couteau place dans la chaussette droite. De ghillie brogues : chaussures dont les lacets sont long et laces de maniere a former un triangle isocele. D'une chemise ou d'un pull et d'une veste. Le kilt est aussi le symbole des nations Celtes. En effet, l'Irlande ont eux aussi leurs kilts, tout comme le Pays de Galles ou la bretagne en France. Mais ceux ci sont beaucoup moins repandus. Le kilt etait surtout porte lors d'evenement important comme les mariages par exemple mais aujourd'hui il se porte pour toute occasion ou en simple tenue decontracte dans la vie de tout les jours. La tradition veut aussi que l'homme portant le kilt n'ai aucun sous vetement en dessous. Tradition assez drole et pourtant prise tres aux serieux en Ecosse. Et meme les stars s'y mettent. Sean Connery, d'origine Ecossaise, c'est lui aussi montre en public avec la tenue traditionelle de son pays. James McAvoy aussi porte frequement le tartan des Johnston, clan de sont grand pere. Rendez-vous sur www.the scotlandkiltcompany.co.uk pour decouvrir les differentes tenues traditionelles Ecossaises.

Let Following a startling decison by officials at the Rugby World Cup to ban bagpipes the Scottish government has stepped in. Organisers apparently felt that the mighty bagpipe could distract opponents during the matches (maybe that was part of the Scottish strategy!). Thankfully Sports Minister, Shona Robinson has written to organisers asking for the decison to be overturned, so watch this space. Whether you're at home or abroad get kitted out for the next game with a sporting kilt or utility kilt

Whether it’s a wedding, a first rugby match or a day out at the Highland games kilt outfits are loved by kids and look gorgeous. Some children’s items are sized by age for example a kilt for 2-3 year olds rather than in inches as adult sizes. As such if your child is tall of big for their age it’s worth asking the place you are buying from to actually measure the items so that you can get the best fit. When purchasing a child’s kilt you have three main choices. Buying a kilt in a standard tartan you can opt for a pre made or off the peg kilt which is also an economical option. For those extra special occasions such as wedding where you are looking for a specific tartan a made to measure tailored kilt can be made in any tartan as long as it is not a restricted tartan. A made to measure kilt also guarantees a superb fit as it is made to the exact measurements of your child. A further option is you buy a kilt is to have a few alterations made, if you ask around this can be relatively inexpensive. For example if you ask a tailor to hem the bottom of the kilt this can be let down as your child grows and provides extra years of use. This also works well if a child is inheriting a kilt from an older sibling. If your child has sensitive skin and finds wool itchy a kilt made from another fabric such as polyviscose is a great alternative to the traditional wool kilt. Polyviscoise is made from polyester and viscose and is softer than wool, but looks and feels very similar. Another advantage is that it is machine washable, invaluable for small children! Along the same lines when hiring a kilt or kilt outfit for your little one taking our insurance, usually around an extra five pounds covers you against accidental damage and provides piece of mind. Hire A Prince Charlie jacket is popular for formal events such as weddings and christenings. The jacket teamed with a wing collar shirt and bow tie looks very smart. For a more casual look a Ghillie shirt is a rugged option perfect for outdoor events, sporting occasions and hot climates. Wearing a kilt is a sign of belong to a clan or family, and is an important tradition to pass onto the youngest member of the family who will relish the chance to get dressed up for a special occasion.    

If you already have you outfit staples like jacket and kilt a nice way to liven up your outfit is an accessory pack, like kilt packages this is an economical way to buy several items. Accessory packs also make great gifts for first time kilt buyers and also for best men at a wedding as a memento which can be worn on the big day and many other occasions as well!

Just Buying a kilt package rather than individual items is a great way to get kilted out. There are many options whether you’re looking for something formal like a Prince Charlie or Argyll outfit with an 8-yard kilt or a casual outfit like a ghillie shirt and 5-yard kilt. With each of our packages we have carefully selected complementary accessories, but don’t worry that you need me constrained by this. There a wide range of choices within each package so you get achieve the look you want. Additionally you can request equivalent items from our large range instead of those in the package – please ask for details. One of the best features of a package is the price! If you look at what each contains you will notice that the cost of buying all of the items individually would work out to be considerably more expensive so it’s certainly worth considering this option.

Tomorrow will see Scotland playing their first match of the championships against Romania. The odds look promising as Romania has not beaten Scotland in over twenty years. In terms of world rankings Scotland are ahead and are placed 7th compared to Romania’s position as 17th in the International Rugby Board World rankings. Get yourself match ready with a casual kilt Chris  

The ‘Fergus’ a new addition to the iconic Harris Tweed range. This new style is twenty- per cent lighter than the traditional Harris Tweed jackets, it also has different style elements including two slanted pockets and horn buttons. As you would expect from a jacket from Harris Tweed the tailoring is superb and you the guaranteed that the jacket has been made in the Outer Hebrides from local wool. Harris See the full range

Scene America has a strong Scottish Diaspora; with familial ties dating back several generations. Evidence suggests that this sense of Scottishness is growing. In 2005 around 300 Highland Games were held in North America, there were 150 clan societies and around 1,900 pipe bands. Highland dancing too has increased in popularity - today there are over 200 Scottish dancing groups in the US. Pipe bands and highland dancers come together to celebrate their roots and provide entertainment at Highland games. The size of such games dwarfs similar events in Scotland. With the largest US games attracting more than 30,000 attendees. Scottish Americans have also introduced a number of customs of their own such as the Kirkin o’ the Tartan whereby tartans are blessed in a church. The military use of tartan and the idea of the highland warrior are all very much a part of Scots American’s sense of identity, at Highland games there are a large number of dirks, broadswords, claymores and targes on display. Another integral part of Americans Scottish identity is that Scottish ancestors were driven out by force after the Jacobite uprising which led to the Highland clearances by the British. Given the resonance of the highland warrior it is not surprising that American visitors looking to connect with their roots make a trip to the Highlands. Figures from Visit Scotland, show that the majority Americans visit the Highlands and Grampians. Visitors are generally interested in seeing the important battlefield in the Jacobite struggle such as the Field of Culloden, as well as taking in highland events in Scotland. They also have a chance to buy traditional items that are made in Scotland such as the iconic Harris Tweed and made to measure kilts in the family tartans. In Scotland too such symbols are key to a sense of heritage, with most Scots proudly displaying their family tartan at weddings, graduations and other formal events, as well as identifying with a particular clan.

Emma Watson wore a stunning tartan dress to the GQ Men of the year awards in London last night, 6th September. Her Plaid number was designed by Alexander McQueen, for his McQ brand. The 21 year old Harry potter actress and model chose the wool puff ball creation from the McQ autumn 2011 collection. Teamed with a black leather jacket and spiked heels this gave the tartan dress an edgy look. Alexander McQueen took great pride in his Scottish ancestry and often incorporated tartan into his designs. Take a look at some more of his creations below.