Beatson Cancer Charity Tartan

6th August 2020 09:00

"This project has been a dream for the team at Beatson Cancer Charity. We stage many high profile events and have received hundreds of requests from supporters looking for some tartan merchandise."

Kathleen McLaren, Beatson Cancer Charity Head of Trading

Supporting Beatson Cancer Charity has taken on a new spin with our newly launched tartan range!

Supporting Beatson Cancer Charity has taken on a new spin with our newly launched tartan range!

6th August 2020


"This project has been a dream for the team at Beatson Cancer Charity. We stage many high profile events and have received hundreds of requests from supporters looking for some tartan merchandise."

Kathleen McLaren, Beatson Cancer Charity Head of Trading

The new tartan has been created to honour the millions of people facing cancer. Robert Douglas, ex- Scotland footballer who is an avid Beatson ambassador, along with Martin Cawley, CEO and a team of staff proudly modelled the designs at iconic landmarks across Glasgow. The unique tartan features the elaborate Beatson Cancer Charity corporate colours of distinct yellow with black.

It has been designed and crafted in collaboration with Slanj. This exclusive tartan was masterly woven at Isla Bank Mills in Keith and is inspired by Jane Hunter, former Glasgow School of Art student and now owner of Hunter's Atelier.


The company, which has kilt and trews stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh, officially registered the new product with The Scottish Register of Tartans in July, ahead of the launch this month.

Robert Douglas, ex Scottish footballer, and STV broadcaster Laura Boyd previewed the tartan and have already put in an early order for impending celebrations such as weddings and festive/party season including Hogmanay. Offering his support, Robert said:

“The tartan looks unique and is a strong reminder of the impact of cancer to many people in West of Scotland. Tartan is recognised globally and if we can use it to raise awareness and encourage people to support the work of Beatson Cancer Charity.”


A cause which is close to his heart, he was thrilled to wear the specially commissioned kilt for the launch. Rob expressed his pleasure at supporting such a worthy project. He said:

“To have something as beautiful and meaningful as the Beatson inspired tartan is fantastic. Care and thought have gone into the design and I can’t think of a more wonderful way to honour people facing cancer in Scotland.”


Martin Cawley, CEO of Beatson Cancer Charity said:

“The overwhelming positive is that so many people seem to be interested and wanted to connect with our charity through this way, and we’d love to see more people proudly adorning our tartan range. We urge everyone to purchase one item, whether it is for a loved one, or in memory or simple just for a special occasion.”


Demand for the new tartan has been high, with orders coming in from across the UK and as far afield as Australia. The collection offers a wide range of products and appeals to suit all tastes. People can browse online and purchase a small gift such as a candle to unique accessories such as golf products. By purchasing an item, this will help support the way cancer care is funded and delivered via our colleagues at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.


Kathleen McLaren, Beatson Cancer Charity Head of Trading said:

"This project has been a dream for the team at Beatson…..we stage many high profile events and have received hundreds of requests from supporters looking for some tartan merchandise in our shop, expressing their wish to make the event/purchase extra special. Please support the online retail in any way you can this year – from a small item such as a tie to a kilt – we can kit you and even your pet out. If you want to look dapper then then the Beatson collection is for you."


Designed by Jane Hunter, Hunter's Atelier, Jane added:

"I was absolutely delighted to be involved in the design and development of the tartan for the Beatson Cancer Charity knowing how much wonderful support and care this charity provides. From the very start with all the discussions about colour and pattern to seeing the tartan being woven at the mill, it has been an exciting journey and I've had the chance to work with a great team. Hopefully the tartan can now be worn, enjoyed and help bring even more awareness of this fantastic charity to more people."


Find out more about the history of the tartan at www.beatsoncancercharity.org/tartan.