Augusta University to reveal official tartan at March 7 celebration

Augusta University will formally reveal its official tartan at noon on March 7 at the D. Douglas Barnard Jr. Amphitheatre on the Summerville Campus.

A tartan — a plaid textile design of Scottish origin — consists of stripes of varying width and color. The pattern typically designates a distinctive clan or group, and can be used in fabrics like scarves or kilts and other products.

Development of the Augusta University tartan has been spearheaded by Dr. Neil MacKinnon, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Augusta University. Raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, Scottish culture is large part of his life — a part he wants to share with the Augusta University community.

“Our new, official Augusta University tartan, which has been uniquely designed for AU and registered in Scotland, adds pride and a fun, new tradition for our university,” he said.

Augusta University’s tartan, which uses the university’s official colors Augusta Blue and Augusta Grey, is formally registered in the Scottish Register of Tartans, an independent registry run by the National Records of Scotland which promotes and preserves information about historic and contemporary tartans from Scotland and throughout the world.

According to its registration notes, Augusta University’s tartan “is intended to symbolize the feeling of pride associated with being a part of the Augusta University community.”

The tartan celebration event will feature traditional Scottish dance and bagpipe performances, light refreshments, a free photo booth and photo opportunities with the university mascot, Augustus. Also scheduled is a kilt presentation by MacKinnon and Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD.

“The tartan celebration event is a must-see event for the entire university community. Where else will you get to see the university president and provost both wearing kilts?” said MacKinnon.

At the event, exclusive tartan merchandise will be available for purchase from the JagStore, Augusta University’s campus shop.

For additional information, call 706-737-1451 or email the Office of Protocol & Special Events.