The Different Tartans of Clan Cochrane
Cochrane Modern Tartan
Extremely confusing story: James Scarlett says that this tartan was taken form a portrait and was for long sold as Cochrane but in 1974 the 14th Earl of Dundonald used his prerogative as Chief to vary the design so as to reduce the groups of four red lines to three. In 1984, the 15th Earl of Dundonald had the sett changed back to the original groups of four red lines and recorded with Lord Lyon. Currently all commercial samples are the four lines version.
Cochrane Ancient Tartan
The Cochrane Ancient Tartan is the same pattern as the Cochrane Modern. Ancient refers to a lighter shade of tartan. These shades are meant to represent the colours that would result from fabric aging over time. In 1974 the 14th Earl of Dundonald used his prerogative as Chief to re-register the design.
Cochrane Azure Tartan
The Cochrane Azure Tartan is a rare tartan. This tartan is a recreation of the Tartan first used by the 12th Earl of Dundonald. The 15th Earl of Dundonald recreated it in 1985.
It is recommended evening wear by the current chief
Cochrane Hunting Tartan
The Cochrane Hunting Tartan was created by the 15th Earl of Dundonald in 2008 for informal or day wear. While modern dying methods are used, the colours are meant to replicate what would be achieved using natural dyes.
It is recommended day-wear by the current chief.
Cochrane (1974)
In 1974 the 14th Earl of Dundonald used his prerogative as Chief to vary the design so as to reduce the groups of four red lines to three. Later notes on this tartan then state: ‘This is said to be the trade version of Cochrane but it is in fact recorded as the clan tartan in the Lord Lyon Book LCB 52 dated 12th November 1984. Scottish Tartans Society notes say: ‘Lord Dundonald originally registered a version missing a red and a green stripe with Lord Lyon in 1974 (see No.977). There is a story that a fragment of this design was discovered in the foundations of a Perthshire house around the 1930’s, thought to be of greater authenticity. However, other reports suggest that the missing stripes were simply a typing error. The sett is based on the old Lochaber district tartan which also provided a base for the MacDonald and the Cameron of Erracht. (All of which have four red stripes)’ Resume: Lord Dundonald changed the count in 1974 and reduced the red and green lines from four to three.
Current Chief does not recommend it’s use
