Thanks to the resolute efforts of J. Howard Standing, past president of the Saint Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles, there is an Official California State Tartan! Duly registered and accepted as such by The Scottish Tartans Society and entered in The Registry of All Known Tartans as TS 2454 on the 3rd of June, 1998. Registered, as well, by The Scottish Tartans Authority as Tartan 200111 and The World Registry of Tartans. Duly enacted by the California Assembly unanimously, and signed by Governor Gray Davis on July 23, 2001.

Official California State Tartan Colors and Pattern

The tartan accords the State’s natural splendor and history and is derived from the pattern and sett based on the Muir Family tartan, but with sufficient originality to be registered with the Scottish Tartans Society, The Scottish Tartans Authority, and The World Register of Tartans as a unique tartan. The tartan’s blue reflects the sky, the Pacific and rivers, while the green reflects the sierras, fields, forests, mountains, and parks. The red, gold, and blue signify the arts, sciences, and industry of the people of the State of California.

It is estimated, based on US Census data, that there are up to 5,000,000 Californians with some Scots ancestry residing in the state.

All residents of the State of California may rightfully wear, and show, the tartan as their own!

Click here for more information from the Scottish Register of Tartans.