Page 50 - Microsoft Word - Guiding light final version 0716 1206.doc

the role. Neil was on TV constantly at that time so it was good marketing for Kinloch Anderson too.’
‘By offering a quid pro quo arrangement to Kinloch Anderson, Deirdre who told the story in Guidelines was happy to deal with us,’ said Maggie.
‘In July Maggie McLeod approached us with a view to having an STGA tartan designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the STGA in 2009. At the first meeting we discussed the visual concept of and basis of the design. The STGA was founded in Edinburgh, so we chose the sett of the City of Edinburgh tartan. Historical background and an association with Scotland give the design meaning, relevance and added authenticity and, furthermore, allow a design story to accompany the merchandise.
‘At our next meeting, initial designs were produced with CAD design printouts, and reasons given for the choices of colour shades and combinations. A selection of designs was taken away for further consideration. We then received preference for one design but were asked to make a few amendments e.g. to lighten the shade of blue, put gold guard lines against the white, change the silver line to soft white in order to create the Saltire effect. New printouts were made and three designs created, each with a different shade of blue. From these a single design was chosen and taken back to the Board where the final choice was approved. The next stage was to select yarn colours to correspond to the paper printout. It was agreed that the colours should be subtle, suitable for both men and women. The chosen blue was not too pale so as to have a subtle contrast with the navy. The colour green was to work well with both colours of blue. White was to become ecru, gold to be soft to go with the blue, and the silver not to contrast too strongly against the blue.
‘A medium-weight wool worsted cloth, 13oz weight was selected as being the most suitable and flexible for all clothing such as kilts, trousers, skirts and waistcoats. To complement the wool cloth the tartan will also be woven into silk in order to have silk ties, silk scarves, perhaps some backed with cashmere, and/or beautifully lined with velvet. The final choice of merchandise will be made when the wool and silk fabrics have been woven.
‘It was agreed that Kinloch Anderson register the STGA tartan with the Scottish Register of Tartans on your behalf. All the items will carry a Kinloch Anderson label with the Royal Warrants, but to give added status to this merchandise, woven labels will be produced showing the name of the tartan and stating that it has been exclusively designed in Scotland by Kinloch Anderson. Another interesting addition will be swing tickets showing the STGA name and logo, accompanied by the design story of the tartan.’
The year 2009 turned out to be a very busy year for Maggie and Toni. It was also designated as the Year of the Homecoming by the Scottish Government and the biggest ever Clan Gathering was being planned.
‘We realised this was a great opportunity for STGA,” said Maggie. ‘Fortunately, the way in was via Event Scotland and a man named McLeod. He was a very busy man but I had an idea and his secretary mistakenly thought I was a relative. A meeting was arranged. The main event was the Gathering which would be held in Holyrood Park with many stall holders. Needless to say, STGA had no budget so I offered Guide services providing Hospitality and Information in return for a stall. He agreed and we were in! We arranged a rota of guides to man the stall, and I got busy with networking. Some 30,000 visitors attended The Gathering in Holyrood Park at the end of July where the Association had a stylish, eye-catching stand in a prime position, from which much promotional material was given out.
‘Around the same time, a TV programme was being made about tourism in the UK, ‘How Foreigners View Us’ and I was asked to help. Fortunately, I had a US family group named Henderson consisting of three generations visiting their ancestral homeland. They were perfect for TV. I took them, and John Sergeant, around Edinburgh Castle with TV cameras following our every move. This episode was later shown featuring John Sergeant, me, and the family on tour.
‘Also at the same time, the Scottish Government were looking for a photo opportunity at the Homecoming event and we were invited to meet the First Minister Alex Salmond who
The final colours agreed reflect the Blue Badge and feature the Saltire, the purple and green of the thistle and a gold thread for the STGA’s 50th anniversary.
50