A piece of tartan that is believed to be the oldest-known surviving example in Scotland will be put on display at the V&A Dundee this spring.
Scientific research carried out on the 'Glen Affric tartan', discovered in a peat bog in Glen Affric approximately forty years ago, has revealed that it dates back to around 1500-1600 AD. Dye Analysis and Radiocarbon testing was commissioned by the Scottish Tartans Authority to determine the tartan's age.
Carried out by analytical scientists from National Museums Scotland, four colours were visually identified using dye analysis: green and brown and possibly red and yellow. The analysis also confirmed the use of indigo or woad in the green but was inconclusive for the other colours—likely due to the dyestuff degradation state.
