To many people Scotland is nothing more than that place all the Americans go to after they’ve visited London; keep driving north long enough you eventually end up in Scotland without even noticing.

Despite many peoples’ unfair perceptions though, Scotland is more than just bagpipes, kilts, and haggis.  Through my work in fashion I’ve been lucky enough to visit Scotland numerous times and I first fell in Love with Scotland when I had the privilege of being involved in The Scottish Fashion Awards back in 2007.  That was my first visit to Scotland and I instantly fell in love. The people are warm and friendly, the scenery is breathtaking and as and a self-deprecating Englishwoman I love the fact the Scots embrace their heritage and unique culture.  I have since been back on a few occasions for work and have been lucky enough to work with Scottish actors Billy Boyd and Dougray Scott, who were both a delight to work with.

A couple of weeks ago I managed to clear my diary enough to get to spend 4 days at Loch Ness with a stop off in one of my favorite cities on Earth, Edinburgh.

Admittedly, the tourist in me took over upon seeing the majesty of the highlands and my first urge was to grab an oversized tartan hat (possibly with a ginger wig attached to the underside) from the nearest tourist trap and jump on the first Nessie-spotting tour I could find.

After the hysteria had died down though I got thinking.  Scotland is one of the few countries – if not the only country – in Europe where the national costume is embraced and integrated into modern dress.  I have yet to see a German in Lederhosen or a Dutchman in clogs, but tartan is worn without a hint of irony or nostalgia throughout not only Scotland but the whole world.

Now I love Tartan, and I always have. As a child I literally wore out my favourite pair of tartan trousers.  I even braved the nickname ‘Rupert the Bear’ by my bully of a big cousin in the pursuit of my childhood tartan fashion fix!

Unfortunately as a grown up women with the usual lumps and bumps we all detest so much, the chances of me looking great while sporting a skintight pair of yellow tartan trousers are rapidly diminishing!  Of course,  that’s not to say that there isn’t a lot of stylish and downright stunning Tartan outfits out there right on the high street for any self respecting Scotophile fashionista!

Here are some of my favourite tartan inspired pieces I’ve spotted online:

1. Tartan Biker Jacket, £70 – Warehouse (www.warehouse.co.uk)
2. Tartan Shoulder Bag – £35 – Accessorize (www.accessorize.co.uk)
3. Pepe Jeans London Tartan Blazer – £70 – ASOS (www.asos.com)
4. Fred Perry Laurel Tartan Skinny Trousers – £95 – ASOS (www.asos.com)
5. Fearne Cotton Collection, Tartan Cape – £35 – Very.co.uk (www.very.co.uk)
6. Tartan Tights – £4 – New Look (www.newlook.co.uk)
7. Kobo Tartan Scarf – £50 – All Saints (www.allsaints.co.uk)
8. Pepe Amy Tartan Check Over-Body Bag – £30 – ASOS (www.asos.com)
9. Tartan Dress, £70 – Warehouse (www.warehouse.co.uk)