The most distinctive feature of Scotland's history,nationally and internationally,is probably that of clanship and the predominantly Highland clans.Highland dress and the tartan is a powerful symbol of the wearer's pride in a Scotish ancestry and in Scotland itself.Few,if any,other forms of national dress make such a clear statement or are so instantly recognisable worldwide.Tartan,in its original form,was a rough woolen cloth worn as a plaid,and had the highly practical function of providing warmth and shelter from the harsh Scotish weather.
In 1747,shortly after the Jacobite rebellion,the Dress Act forbade the wearing of tartan,with offenders receiving a punishment of six months imprisonment or transportation.Scotsmen were made to swear an oath pledging their compliance with the law:"I do swear...as I shall swear to God at the great day of judgement,that I have not,nor shall I have in my possession,any gun,sword,pistol,or arm whatsoever,and never use any tartan,plaid,or any piece of highland garb."
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