Our Tartan
A visual expression of Scottish heritage, learning, and innovation
Designed by Kate Oakwood
Stirling Centre for Strategic Learning and Innovation draws inspiration from Scotland’s rich heritage and enduring spirit of resilience, community, and leadership. To visually reflect these values, we created a bespoke Stirling Centre Tartan — a unique pattern designed by Kate Oakwood that represents who we are, where we come from, and where we are heading.Our tartan blends the tradition of Scottish craftsmanship with the symbolic colours of learning, innovation, and foresight.
The Meaning Behind Our Colours
Each colour in our tartan carries symbolic meaning, reflecting the values, vision, and spirit of the Stirling Centre.
Inspired by Scotland and the Saltire.
Blue represents learning, reflection, and critical thinking, which are core elements of Stirling Centre for Strategic Learning and Innovation.
Inspired by the light of a Highland sunrise.
Yellow symbolises hope, clarity, and new beginnings, reflecting the optimism, creativity, and forward-looking approach that guide Stirling Centre for Strategic Learning and Innovation.
A symbol of clarity and openness.
White represents transparency, integrity, and thoughtful reflection, reinforcing our commitment to open learning, shared understanding, and a clear vision for the future.
What Is a Tartan?
A tartan is a traditional Scottish patterned fabric, defined by its distinctive criss-cross design of horizontal and vertical stripes.
Historically,
Tartans were used to represent
often associated with families, regions, or communities across Scotland.
Today, tartans are also created for organisations and institutions to symbolise their values, purpose, and connection to Scotland’s cultural legacy. Each tartan is unique, with carefully chosen colours and patterns that tell a specific story.
The Stirling Centre Tartan continues this tradition — using design and colour to express identity, meaning, and a lasting connection to Scotland.
Reference: 15248
Designer: Oakwood, Kate
Tartan date: 25/01/2026
Official Registration
The Stirling Centre Tartan is officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans under Reference Number 15248.
This registration recognises the authenticity of our tartan and confirms its place within Scotland’s living cultural heritage. It ensures that the design is formally recorded, protected, and acknowledged as a unique symbol created specifically for Stirling Centre for Strategic Learning and Innovation.
A Symbol of Identity and Values
Our tartan sits alongside the Stirling Centre logo and symbolic elements as part of a shared visual language that reflects our identity and values. Just as our turtle symbol represents wisdom, longevity, and thoughtful progress, the Stirling Centre Tartan embodies continuity, reflection, and purpose. Together, these symbols express our commitment to learning that is deliberate, reflective, and grounded in enduring principles. They remind us that meaningful innovation is not rushed — it is built carefully, with insight, resilience, and a clear sense of direction.
A Connection Rooted in Scotland
Stirling Centre for Strategic Learning and Innovation is deeply connected to Scotland — not only by place, but by the values Scotland represents: resilience, learning, community, and leadership. The Stirling Centre Tartan reflects this relationship. Inspired by the colours of the Scottish landscape and the Saltire, the tartan visually connects our work to Scotland’s cultural heritage while expressing our commitment to thoughtful learning and forward-looking innovation. In this way, the tartan becomes a bridge between Stirling, Scotland, and the Centre’s global mission — grounding our work in tradition while looking confidently toward the future.