The traditional Gordon tartan – rich green, deep blue, and black accented by a bold yellow stripe – reflects the rugged beauty of Scotland’s natural landscape. It is closely tied to Clan Gordon, one of Scotland’s most distinguished clans, and carries a proud military heritage. Its colours echo those worn by the famed Gordon Highlanders regiment, symbolizing strength and loyalty.

This pattern found its way to St. Andrew’s College in 1905, when the Gordon Modern Tartan was adopted as part of the uniform for the newly established 142 St. Andrew’s College Highland Cadet Corps. From the start, the Corps shared a close affiliation with the 48th Highlanders of Canada, a Primary Reserve infantry regiment based in Toronto. This connection is honoured in the cadets’ scarlet tunics.

The link runs even deeper: in 1904, the 48th Highlanders formalized their regimental affiliation with the British Army’s Gordon Highlanders, cementing the tartan as a shared emblem of heritage, service, and pride.