Unexpected Revival of Commonwealth Tartan
As discussions continue about a potential ‘scaled back’ Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, a cherished relic from a past tournament is making a remarkable comeback. A Commonwealth tartan, which had been long forgotten since its commission over half a century ago, is now making a surprising comeback as it is reimagined into high-end fashion accessories.
With the decision on the 2026 Games host city yet to be finalised, Glasgow continues to be a leading contender. Meanwhile, the iconic tartan from the 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games is re-emerging, much to the delight of enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Reviving a Legacy
Approximately 100 metres of this historical fabric, previously stored as ‘deadstock’ in Dumfries, has been repurposed into elegant, plastic-free tote bags and laptop cases by Project Harmless, a sustainable fashion brand. Their mission: to create environmentally friendly fashion without compromising on quality or style.
“I was searching for a tote bag for my mother and was appalled by the amount of plastic used by a leading high-end designer,” said George Greer, co-founder of Project Harmless. The products, despite claiming British heritage, were evidently produced overseas and contained substantial amounts of plastic. We knew we could do better, so we set out to create our own sustainable alternatives.”
Commitment to Sustainability
Project Harmless is proud to produce all items by hand in the Scottish Borders, using local craftsmanship. The tote bags and laptop cases are not only environmentally friendly but also exclude plastic entirely. The brand even incorporates Scottish Highland deer antlers for buttons instead of plastic.
“We’ve rejuvenated this exquisite, long-forgotten fabric from the 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games, guaranteeing it is entirely free from plastic and turned into elegant, functional accessories,” Greer added.
Addressing Greenwashing in Fashion
Project Harmless, known for their sustainable dog waste bags, is now focused on tackling greenwashing and unethical practices in the fashion industry. “We utilize historical or leftover fabrics, avoiding new materials and plastics,” Greer explained. “Our processes are rigorous, with everything designed and handmade locally, and we pay above the UK National Living Wage.”
Greer highlighted ongoing issues in the fashion industry, including the exploitation of workers and the misleading sustainability claims by major brands. He emphasized the importance of offering genuine sustainable options and addressing both green-washing and purpose-washing.
Challenging Industry Norms
“We’ve demonstrated that it’s possible to create high-quality fashion accessories without using plastic. We hope to inspire leading brands to join us in this mission and encourage media to expose false claims of sustainability,” Greer said. The fashion industry is presently unsustainable, with numerous brands focusing more on profit than on environmental and ethical concerns.
Project Harmless uses only natural threads and organic woven cotton labels for their products. They also replace traditional plastic buttons with locally crafted antler buttons, sourced from deer antlers that naturally regrow each year.
Limited Edition and Future Plans
The limited-edition Project Harmless 1970 Commonwealth Tartan Tote is priced at £40, offering a sustainable alternative to luxury brands that often use plastic and are produced overseas. The brand is already sourcing other historic fabrics for future products.
“We aim to collaborate with other ethical fashion designers to make plastic-free fashion mainstream. Our goal is to address human rights issues, reduce plastic pollution, and contribute to the UK economy,” Greer concluded.
Environmental scientist Laura Young, working with Project Harmless, added, “Project Harmless offers a solution-driven approach to fashion, helping to raise awareness about the environmental, societal, and economic impacts of the industry and fostering real change.”
