Scottish tartan created for the navy

Petty Officer First Class Norman Phee with various tartan products are available for purchase at CANEX, including neckties and bow ties.

RCN PAO

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A 31-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is honouring his Nova Scotia roots by helping to create the service’s first tartan.

Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Norman Phee was born in Antigonish, N.S., and grew up around the Scottish lifestyle in what he calls “the highland heart of Nova Scotia” (New Scotland).

“Having the last name Phee, originally MacPhee, I have been in love with my Scottish ancestry all my life,” he says.

In 2011, when Canada decided to restore the historic names of the three environmental commands of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), he thought the RCN should have its own tartan. 

“I did some research into the traditional colours of the naval uniform, as well as what makes the RCN stand out from other navies [around the world] and branches of the CAF,” he explains. “I also researched which navies from around the world have tartans. Then I talked to tartan designers for some insight into what was needed to create a tartan.”   

In choosing the colors and pattern, he wanted to tie the traditions of the old RCN to the new. 

“While remembering the older sailors and those lost in conflicts past and present, I also wanted to ensure that any CAF member wearing the naval uniform is represented.” 

The five colours of the new tartan were chosen to represent different aspects of the RCN: black is its new uniform; dark blue represents the old traditional uniform; yellow is for the laurel on the cap badge; white is for the anchor on the cap badge; red symbolizes ties to the sovereign and sailors lost; and purple represents non-seagoing members who wear a naval uniform.

Designed by Gordon Kirkbright of GK Textiles in Burnaby, B.C., the new tartan can be worn by anyone with an affiliation to the RCN, including family members.

Currently, RCN tartan items are available for purchase at the CANEX but are not authorized to be worn with the RCN uniform. The Naval Dress Committee will discuss the matter at its next meeting this spring. Until that time, personnel can wear RCN tartan items as part of their civilian attire only.

The items can be purchased through CANEX’s online platform: http://www.canex.ca/en/catalogsearch/result/?q=tartan

Colours of the new tartan represent different aspects of the navy. Black is its new uniform, dark blue represents the old traditional uniform, yellow is for the laurel on the cap badge, white is for the anchor on the cap badge, red symbolizes ties to the sovereign and sailors lost, and purple represents non-seagoing members who wear a naval uniform.