Guernsey Tartan – the Threads of Meaning and Memory
Katy Barrett – Founder & Designer, Guernsey Tartan©
Katy Barrett is the founder and creative force behind Guernsey Tartan, a family-run textile business dedicated to celebrating the island’s shared history with Scotland. A lifelong creator, Katy learned to sew as a child and later honed her skills in both traditional crafts and practical trades, from sail repairs to custom design work. Her passion for weaving grew from a hobby into the creation of Guernsey’s very own tartan, designed with colours that reflect the island’s icons. Approved by the Bailiff of Guernsey and woven in Scotland, the tartan honours the Island’s heritage and is made to be passed down through generations as a cherished part of its story.
Guernsey Tartan – the Threads of Meaning and Memory
A unique chapter in Guernsey’s cultural history is being woven into life with the creation of Guernsey Tartan©. Born from an unexpected connection forged during the pandemic, this tartan celebrates the shared heritage of Guernsey and the Scottish community while honouring the culture and creativity of the Island’s people.
The idea for Guernsey Tartan© emerged during the air bridge between Guernsey and the Isle of Man in 2020, established to allow freedom of travel between the islands. A visit to the Isle of Man during this time sparked an interest in their tartan, and soon, the threads of Guernsey’s own story began to take shape.
“With a little research and consultation with members of the Guernsey Scottish Association, I developed a design inspired by Guernsey's icons and identity,” said Catherine (Katy) Barrett, local business woman and designer of Guernsey Tartan. “Tartan is such an evocative symbol, and my aim with Guernsey Tartan is to promote the Guernsey and Scottish communities, their history, and their culture while providing a physical way to preserve these memories.”
Each colour in the tartan tells a story unique to Guernsey, carefully chosen to represent the island’s landmarks, traditions, and spirit; the orange-brown reflects the iconic Guernsey cow; grey honours Guernsey’s mascot, the steadfast grey donkey, known for its strength and stubborn spirit; blue represents the traditional fisherman’s guernsey jumper; green signifies the Island’s sports colours; pink celebrates the Nerine Sarniensis, the beautiful Guernsey lily; and white, red, and yellow echo the colours of the Guernsey flag.
The process of developing and registering the design was meticulous, and sourcing a mill to produce the fabric has been an equally careful journey.
Guernsey Tartan© will make its debut with a limited line of products. From accessories to keepsakes, these items will allow Islanders and visitors alike to wear or own a tangible piece of Guernsey’s history. The tartan also reflects a broader sense of pride in the Island’s identity. Just as Jersey introduced a tartan for their pipe band, Guernsey now has a design that speaks to its own heritage and the bonds between its communities.
For updates on Guernsey Tartan©, their website launch will be on the 5th of September 2025 or find them on social media @guernseytartan #guernseytartan
Prelaunch photos are in black and white; after this evening's launch we will produce a full-colour gallery.
