Tartan debut for Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes, the fictional detective, has become the first literary character to have his own tartan approved by the Scottish Register of Tartans.

Holmes was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who was born in Edinburgh and gained his medical degree from Edinburgh University.

And it is a Conan Doyle descendant who has highlighted these Scottish links through creation of a uniquely Scottish textile for his most famous character.

Sherlock Holmes tartan is predominately green and blue – reflecting Conan Doyle’s Irish and Scottish heritage – highlighted by a lighter blue line to represent the Reichenbach Falls and a yellow line to represent the deductive clarity of Sherlock.

It was designed by Tania Henzell, a great-great step granddaughter of the author, who worked with weavers the House of Edgar to finalise the design and have it registered.

She said: “It was a fascinating experience coming up with a pattern that reflects who Conan Doyle was as well as tying in elements that are entirely Sherlock.

“I was very fond of my step great grandmother Jean, who was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s youngest daughter, so creating the tartan has been quite an emotional and nostalgic process, but also very rewarding.

“My background is also in fashion design so I’m thrilled to be able to use my knowledge to create this unique family tartan.”

Sherlock tartan products are coming soon and will be available from the website:www.sherlockholmestartan.com.