We wanted to create clothes that capture the heart of Islay, but we didn’t just want to use the Islay name, we wanted Islay to be part of the fabric. So we created our own tartan - The Islay Collection Uisge Beatha, choosing colours that reflect the beautiful landscape and rich heritage of the island. The predominant gold represents the colour of barley which is the main ingredient in single malt whisky, growing in the sun.

The white lines running through the tartan are the colour of Islay’s traditional whitewashed buildings, the distilleries and lighthouses that line the coast.

Donegal green highlights Islay’s close connection to Ireland - it’s said that it was the Irish people who taught local crofters how to set up illicit stills during whisky prohibition, paving the way for Islay’s now world-famous whisky industry.

There is a grey/green shade inspired by the moss on the aged stone of Islay’s ancient monuments. such as Kildalton Cross and Dunyvaig Castle.

The accents of blue are for the sky and the Sea Thrift that grows along Islay’s shore.

Uisge Beatha is the Scottish Gaelic for whisky and is literally translated as ‘water of life’ - we think it’s the perfect name!

View our entry on the Scottish Tartan Register here.