JAMES Watt Tartan Officially Registered By Inverclyde

INVERCLYDE Council has designed a James Watt tartan as part of celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the Greenock-born inventor’s death.

It has been officially added to The Scottish Register of Tartans. 

The tartan — titled the James Watt Commemorative — features dark grey, to represent industrial works and tools, and light grey to represent steam.

Orange is included to tie in with the signage and colours of the James Watt Institution — the new name for the McLean Museum and Watt Library complex in Greenock — and teal has been included to represent Inverclyde Council.

It may only be worn, used or woven with permission from Inverclyde Council.

Council officials had already said they were exploring the potential to launch a new James Watt Tartan at Tartan Day linking with Visit Scotland and Scottish Development International to promote Scottish manufacturing.

A report updating councillors on a year-long programme of events to mark Watt’s life and contribution to the world had proposed setting aside £20,000 for the “creation, promotion, merchandising and launch of a James Watt tartan”.