Waverley Dress Stewart Tartan cloth pocket notebook

The Dress Stewart tartan cloth used to bind this notebook is a Dress version of the Royal Stewart. It is an 'arisaid' sett or pattern and that means it was worn in a dress pattern and therefore considered a feminine version of the historical masculine belted plaid. The white-based tartans influenced dance and dress tartans. Queen Victoria loved the tartan and her use of it made the tartan become fashionable and established. Just as King George IV's visit to Edinburgh in 1822 was pivotal in tartan becoming fashionable again, after its ban, then so was Queen Victoria's influence in bringing the Stewart tartan into the lasting prominence it enjoys today.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert fell in love with the Highlands and purchased Balmoral Castle in 1848 plus the surrounding land. Balmoral has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family ever since.

Prince Albert used the red and Royal Stewart tartan for carpets, together with the green Hunting Stewart tartan and the red and white Dress Stewart for the curtains and upholstery.

The presence of the royal castle in Balmoral has greatly increased the worldwide appeal of Scotland as a holiday destination and has also helped to create interest in the story of Scotland's clans and tartans.

The pocket notebook is ideal for quick notes and is a handy size; light and easy to carry.