91Èȱ¬

A tartan specially designed at the King's request has been lodged with the Scottish Register of Tartans.

It's been designed to use at his Scottish home - Balmoral Castle.

The Balmoral Glen Tartan design has been created using colours and shades from the King's personal tartan presented to him last year.

The newly designed tartan will be used for furnishings as well as staff uniforms. It will also be available on a limited number of products available to the public next year.

The Scottish Tartans Authority created a King Charles II tartan to mark the Coronation.

It was also a recognition of the King's support in preserving the culture and tradition of Scottish tartans and Highland dress.

The new design is based on a unique piece of rural Highland tartan discovered in Glen Affric.

Dating from around 1500 to 1600 AD, it is the oldest surviving specimen of true tartan found in Scotland, according to the Scottish Tartans Authority.

The Balmoral Glen Gelder design is said to provide a link to cloth that most likely originated in the reign of James V, Mary Queen of Scots or, possibly, James VI and I.

John McLeish, chairman of the Scottish Tartans Authority, said: "His Majesty The King continues to be a wonderful ambassador and advocate for tartan, Highland dress, and the traditions of the Highlands."

Tartan is a patterned cloth associated with Scotland and Scottish culture and heritage.

The cloth is coloured and designed with horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours, creating a criss-cross pattern. The interwoven stripes are known as a sett.

Traditionally each Tartan was associated with a specific Scottish clan or family, and they could be used to distinguish between different groups or communities.

It can be used to make kilts, scarves or even for furnishing.

They are also registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans.