Greyfriars Tartan
- exclusive and hand-crafted in Edinburgh

Greyfriars Bobby wearing Greyfriars Tartan scarf

Greyfriars Tartan – tradition with an ethical thread

Our award-winning Greyfriars Tartan is a high-quality, traditional tartan, made from 100% wool and woven locally in Scotland.

The Greyfriars Tartan weaves together the legends and stories of Edinburgh’s ancient and historic Greyfriars Kirk and Grassmarket.

This beautiful fabric is inspired by the original 16th century Grey Friar monks, Mary Queen of Scots and, of course, Greyfriar’s Bobby dog himself. It is also inspired by us, the award-winning Grassmarket Community Project!

The ethical choice

Choosing Greyfriars Tartan is also the ethical choice, with every penny made helping support the essential work of the Grassmarket Community Project.

We’re worldwide

We regularly ship outwith Scotland and fulfil bulk orders on request for a wide range of customers, including Edinburgh Castle, Visit Scotland, Scottish Government and, of course, Greyfriars Kirk.

AND, we take commissions for truly bespoke hand-crafted tartan items from clothing accessories, gifts and souvenir items to a fine tartan coat for your furry best friend!

Our tartan sashes, and Greyfriars Bobby dogs have been given as diplomatic gifts by Scotland’s First Minister in South Africa and South Korea. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales is also the proud owner of one of our hand-crafted Greyfriars Tartan roses.

Choose Greyfriars Tartan, a truly exceptional tartan, available online today

Greyfriars Tartan is available as a traditional or weathered tartan. Our amazingly talented Grassmarket Social Enterprise team work tirelessly to create a beautiful range of hand-crafted products.

If you are interested in a bulk order, please contact our Tartan Team today. We’re here to help!.

Accessories

Bobby Tote Bag

£16.95

Accessories

Keyring

£11.95

Accessories

Lavender Bag

£9.95

Accessories

Pocket Square

£11.95

Fabric Jewelry

Scrunchie

£7.95

Accessories

Thistle Pin

£12.95

Accessories

Toiletry/Travel Bag

£20.00

Something extra special in mind?

We love a commission, hand-crafting our beautiful tartan fabric to your exact requirements. We are also happy to discuss bespoke wedding packages which include items such as bow ties, ties, pocket squares, bridal garters and brooches/pins.

Contact our Tartan Team to discuss what you’re looking for. We’re here to help!

Tartan Shop

Next time you’re heading down Candlemaker Row, pop into our wee Tartan Shop at number 58. Or, make a special visit to buy something hand-crafted for a loved one.

Choose from our beautiful range of tartan textile products. From brooches, to tea cosies and from cushion covers to scarves, shawls and bow ties, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

And every penny you spend directly supports the essential work of the Grassmarket Community Project. Thank you.

Opening Hours
Tue-Thu 10.30am-4.30pm
Fri-Sat 2.30-4.30pm

Tartan Shop - Grassmarket Community Project
Greyfriars Tartan - hand-crafted by Grassmarket Community Project

The stories behind our exceptional tartan

In 2011, a talented member of our project took inspiration from the famous local story of Greyfriars Bobby and the Kirk’s history, and designed the Greyfriars Tartan.

The colours that make up the Greyfriars tartan represent:

  • Blue: Scotland’s Saltire flag
  • Brown: the tunics of the Franciscan monks, pre-Formation residents of the site on which Greyfriarks Kirk is now located
  • Green: the herb gardens originally created by the monks and recently revived by the Grassmarket Community Project gardening group in the Kirkyard
  • Purple: Ecclesiastical celebrations of the Kirk and its royal connections (the land was gifted to Edinburgh Council by Mary Queen of Scots)
  • Terracotta: Lady Yester was connected to Greyfriars Kirk, and her birth village of Yester in East Lothian is celebrated for its terracotta roofs, rare in the UK
  • Gold: inspired by the William Blake poem ‘Jerusalem’: I give you the end of a gold string: Only wind it into a ball, it will lead you in at Heaven’s gate, Builet in Jerusalem’s wall.

What our customers say about our tartan textiles

“I just loved wearing the Greyfriars tartan shawl on my wedding day – thank you for making such a beautiful item, and keeping me cosy at my winter wedding.”

And, what a great morning we had with the Kilted Yogis wearing their Greyfriars Tartan kilts, very kindly made by 21st Century Kilts. They look fantastic!
Thank you to our ace photographer Ewan Barry.

Kilted Yogis - 21st Century Kilts - Grassmarket Community Project

Planning your next trip to Edinburgh?

We are thrilled to showcase our Greyfriars Tartan in the Activities & Attractions section of the KAYAK Edinburgh Travel Guide