The Coldstreamer, together with his Right and Left Hand Men, will proudly wear specially commissioned Flodden Tartan waistcoats during this year’s Flodden Day commemorations, woven in Selkirk, thanks to the continued support of Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers.
As one of the event’s main sponsors once again for 2026, Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers has generously provided the three Principals, Josh Kerr, Aaron Lunn and Alastair Skinner, with the striking waistcoats, ensuring they will take centre stage during the annual commemorations in a tartan that carries deep historical significance.
Designed by Gordon Nicolson in 2013 to mark the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden, the Flodden Tartan was created as a lasting tribute to one of the most significant events in Border history. The battle saw King James IV lead the Scottish army against the forces of King Henry VIII, becoming the last reigning British monarch to die in battle.
The tartan was designed to commemorate all those who fought and lost their lives on both the Scottish and English sides, while also recognising the lasting impact the battle had on families and communities throughout the Borders for generations.
Every colour woven into the cloth tells part of the story. The red and gold represent Scotland’s Lion Rampant, the green and white reflect the Tudor colours of England, while the grey and brown symbolise the battlefield itself – the land over which the armies fought and where many of the fallen still rest.
Adding further significance, the tartan was first woven by Andrew Elliot Ltd before later being produced by Lochcarron of Scotland in Selkirk – a town where the effects of the Battle of Flodden were especially devastating, with many local men among those who never returned home.
The specially crafted waistcoats will not only add a distinctive touch to this year’s Flodden Day but will also stand as a fitting tribute to the men of both nations who fought in 1513.
