The RCMP has had its own tartan since1998, when it was created to commemorate the125th anniversary of the Force.
Tartans have long been symbols of family, clan, regions and districts, a history that inspired a group of members to create a tartan for the RCMP. A volunteer committee began work in the early1990s, finalizing the tartan in time to mark the RCMP's125th anniversary in1998.
The committee selected a tartan design based on artwork by Mrs. Violet Holmes, of Burnaby, B.C. The tartan was produced in partnership with Burnett's and Struth Scottish Regalia Ltd. of Barrie, Ontario, and Lochcarron of Scotland woolen mills.
Following approval by then-Commissioner Phillip Murray, the tartan was officially registered with the Scottish Tartans Society in Pitlochry, Scotland, and was formally presented to the RCMP by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne during her visit to Canada in1998.
The tartan was worn for the first time by a band of RCMP pipers and drummers at the Nova Scotia International Tattoo in July and August1998.
The design's rich and symbolic colours are taken from the force's uniform and badge:
- Dark blue – from the traditional breeches worn by regular members
- Scarlet – from the world-renowned red serge tunic
- Yellow – from the cavalry stripes on RCMP uniform pants and the band on the forage cap
- Sienna brown – from the bison at the centrepiece of the badge; also symbolizes Canada's western plains and the heartland of the RCMP
- Forest green – from the maple leaf, a distinctly Canadian symbol
- White – from the lanyard worn with the ceremonial uniform; also evokes the link between the Force and Canada's First Nations, for whom white symbolizes strength and endurance, traits that are part of the RCMP's legacy
- Sky blue – from the background of the badge as well as the beret worn by RCMP members serving as United Nations peacekeepers
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