Tartan has a long-standing tradition of representing family. The most famous use of tartan is from Scotland, where clans (families) created their own to identify each other. But tartans exist in countries all over the world, and in fact, the oldest tartan found was in China!
Tartan consists of a pattern of colourful lines; this is a sett. The sett repeats throughout the fabric. Tartans can have several colours, or just a few. You probably know a famous tartan; the province of Nova Scotia has one, as does Cape Breton. Or, you may have roots to a clan tartan that represents your family.
The Nova Scotia SPCA has been helping, rescuing, and creating families since 1877. Founded in the province with the literal name translation of New Scotland, we thought it was time to have our own tartan!
Whether you have adopted a furry friend, volunteered, donated, been a client at our hospitals, a customer at our thrift stores, a student in our college, or one of our staff, your stories are woven into our history. You are family.
When creating an official tartan, the Nova Scotia SPCA chose colours that represent the organization’s history and the people and animals we serve.
Red – Representing the first peoples of our province, the Mi’kmaq people.
Gold – Representing the over 400 years of contributions to our province by those of African descent.
Silver – This colour represents protection, as well as our founding as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty.
Blue – A colour to represent welcoming newcomers to the shores of Nova Scotia.
Green – The colour of new beginnings; for animals, people, families. Whatever brings you to the SPCA.
White – The eternal colour of hope. Hope for a future where animals are safe and healthy.
The tartan has been officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans (registration number 14,382), and is now ready to be styled and worn!
“Sewing is my happy place.”
The Nova Scotia SPCA has partnered with Tartan Gal Designs, a local small business in Dartmouth, who has designed and handmade items for pets and their families. Cheryl Beswick is the founder and owner of Tartan Gal Designs and is thrilled to be making items with the SPCA tartan. 
“I am over the moon,” says Cheryl when asked about working with the Nova Scotia SPCA. “I think the tartan is gorgeous, and the Nova Scotia SPCA has such deep roots in our province, it’s perfect that they now have their own tartan.” It wasn’t just the colours that Cheryl was excited about either. “When I learned the meaning behind each colour that was chosen, I was proud to be asked to work on items for pets, like SPCA alumni, but also pet families.”
Cheryl learned to sew and found her passion for sewing by chance. “I was 12 and we had a course at school, home economics.” In the class, young Cheryl took naturally to the art of sewing. “I really liked that in sewing you had to pay attention to every detail, I am good at that!”
Cheryl’s attention to detail plays an important role in her Dartmouth business, Tartan Gal Designs, which she started in 2017. Working with both family and several organizations’ tartans, she makes sure to respect the cloth. “When I cut and sew the fabric, I ensure that the lines match up.” Cheryl sells tartan items at the Sunday Alderney Market and craft shows throughout the year. Recently, she trademarked Plaid Pups to represent her pet line of items. “I am drawn to tartan,” she says. “The colours, the design, how they bring families together or raise awareness.”
Her love of tartan goes beyond her sewing machine; she is also the Treasurer of the Federation for Scottish Culture in Nova Scotia. “My family arrived to this land in 1749 and is one of the founding families of New Scotland.”
Cheryl has been busy working on items with the Nova Scotia SPCA tartan that are now for sale. Leashes, collars, and cat bow ties are some of the items for our animal friends. Dress scarves, pocket squares, and more, for pet parents. You can purchase your items online and pick them up at a shelter closest to you.
The Nova Scotia SPCA tartan represents all the dogs, cats, and critters who have come into our care, and found new beginnings with pet families in our province. Buy an item today to identify your pet and you, as part of the Nova Scotia SPCA family.
