J&D Paton tartan archive gifted to Scotland, reshaping textile history

The J&D Paton collection has been generously donated to Scotland, marking a significant addition to the nation’s textile history. This extensive archive, which dates from the 1820s to the 1960s, features unique tartans specifically designed for women's fashion, as well as military fabrics used by Scottish regiments. Notably, the collection includes previously unrecorded clan tartans and textiles crafted for Queen Victoria and the Royal Family. At its height, J&D Paton employed around 500 people across four factory locations near Tillicoultry in Stirlingshire, reflecting its impact on the local industry.