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About the RCMP
Tartan The design of the tartan was
undertaken to mark the 125th Anniversary of the RCMP in 1997.
A volunteer tartan committee representative of the Force's geographical regions
consulted extensively across Canada, called for submissions and hosted a friendly competition to select an appropriate
tartan. Mrs. Violet Holmes of
Burnaby, British Columbia, provided the art work that lead to the creation of
the tartan. The committee then
partnered with Burnett's and Struth Scottish Regalia
Ltd. of Barrie, Ontario and Lochcarron of Scotland woolen mills to produce the
tartan. Following approval by
Commissioner Murray, the tartan was officially registered with the Scottish
Tartans Society in Pitlochry, Scotland, and was formally presented to the
Force by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne during her visit to Atlantic Canada
in June, 1998. |
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The tartan colours are as rich and varied as the heritage they represent. They are true to RCMP tradition as they are derived from the colours of the Force's uniform and badge. The colours weave into a perfectly balanced tartan design. The over-all effect is pleasingly subtle, reflecting a harmonious interplay of colour that provides an excellent complement to the Force's world-renowned Red Serge tunic. |
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The Colours:
Dark Blue. The background or theme colour of the tartan is dark blue.
It is the colour of the riding breeches traditionally worn by Mounties
and is also characteristic of the shabrack or saddle blanket used by the
Musical Ride. The dark hue of
this blue lends a subtle character to the tartan and assures that it
complements the Red Serge tunic.
Scarlet Red. Scarlet is the colour of the tunic for which the RCMP is known the world over. The rich red recalls the early years of the Force and Canada when scarlet was worn
Yellow.
Yellow represents the cavalry stripe of the RCMP's distinctive ceremonial
uniform. It also adorns the
regular working dress, on both the hatband and trousers, of the dedicated men
and women who serve Canadians on a daily basis.
This yellow is also taken from both the crown and gilt letters of the
Force badge. It is, in many ways, as distinctive to the RCMP uniform as the
scarlet tunic itself.
Sienna Brown. Sienna is taken from the
bison which is the centre-piece of the RCMP badge.
It is symbolic of Canada=s expansive western plains and the heartland of the RCMP.
Forest Green. Green is the colour of the
maple leaves which surround the scroll and bison on the RCMP badge. The maple
leaf, itself, is distinctively Canadian.
It symbolizes Canada as a nation. The dark green of the tartan is a
link to the land, the country, and the people served by the Force from
coast-to-coast.
White. The fine white accent of the tartan
is representative of the lanyard worn as an accoutrement to the RCMP's ceremonial uniform.
White is also intended as a link to Canada's First Nations people.
It has special spiritual significance, symbolizing strength and
endurance - traits which are the legacy of the RCMP in Canada.
Sky Blue. The bison on the RCMP's badge is set into a
background of sky blue. This same
hue of blue is readily associated with the United Nations and has special
significance to the Force, given its new-found role in international
peacekeeping.