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The Tartan Tax refers to the Scottish Governments power to vary income tax by +/- 3p in every pound. When legislating for the Scottish Parliament, one of the matters reserved by the UK Parliament in Westminster was taxation, however as taxation had been a key point in Scottish negotiations on parliamentary control, Westminster compromised by agreeing to give the Scottish Parliament the ability to vary income tax, this option was supported by the Scottish electorate in the 2nd question of the 1997 devolution referendum.
Tartan Films
Tartan Films, was one of the UK's most influential UK film distributors founded by in 1984 Hamish McAlpine. They distributed a wide range of excellent films including: Super Size Me, Capturing the Friedman's, tre et avoir, Secretary, La Haine, Man Bites Dog, The Double Life of Veronique, Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse, Cyrano de Bergerac and A Short Film About Killing.
They also released a important Asian titles under their Tartan Asia Extreme label, including: Ring, Audition, The Eye, Battle Royale.
Screen Daily quote Mark Batey, CEO of the Film Distributors Association as saying:
"It's a sad day. The company had an extraordinary track record of distributing films from all over the world and it has become a brand in the way that not many publishers of intellectual property in any sector have managed."
Tartan Army
The Tartan Army is a name given to fans of the Scotland national football team. It first came into common usage in the 1970s. Although the Tartan Army have been criticised at times for aspects of their behaviour such as jeering the British National Anthem, However they have also received mush praise, winning awards from several organisations for their friendly behaviour; BBC News described the Scotland fans as "one of the highlights" of that World Cup, noting their colourful appearance, a Fair Play prize by the Belgian Olympic Committee after a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Brussels. And during the joint bid by Scotland and Ireland to host the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament, First Minister of Scotland cited the "worldwide reputation" of the Tartan Army as a strength of the bid.
In 2005, the Scotland Travel Club became the Scotland Supporters Club, operated by the Scottish Football Association, with members receive one match ticket for all home fixtures and can apply for away matches. In 2010, the club reached its maximum capacity of 35,000 members.
The Tartan Army was nominated for the International Scot Award, as part of The Herald newspaper's Scottish Politician of the Year ceremony, for their charitable work. 'The Tartan Army Children's Charity' is a registered charity run by Scotland fans. It raises money for disadvantaged children at home and abroad as well as organising trips for disadvantaged Scottish children to watch Scotland play at Hampden Park. Fundraising events include a monthly lottery and the Kiltwalk, an annual 26 mile sponsored walk from Hampden Park to Loch Lomond.
Tartan Silk
Tartan Silk is an Edinburgh based PR company whose clients include Harris Tweed, Apex Hotels and Ballindalloch Castel among others.
Tartan Heart Festival
The Tartan Heart Festival takes place at the Belladrum Estate near Inverness in August. Founded in 2004, the festival has grown in popularity, know for showcasing a wide range of musical styles as well as being family friendly, children under 12 get in free. The event also hosts one man bands, alternative therapy tents, barbers, yoga and dance tuition, not to mention the Miniscule of Sound, the worlds smallest nightclub!
As you can see Tartan is a popular word not only when it refers to kilts, but to a range of products and companies such are the positive associations with it. Let's here is for the power of the plaid!
