“Why is it called a kilt? Because if you call it a skirt, you get kilt!”

This week everyone’s favorite ogre received his very own Scottish tartan. VisitScotland came up with the idea to encourage people to trace their own history and Scottish roots. Jenni Steele, senior PR Manager at VisitScotland, said the “fun project” had a serious side.”We wanted to highlight just how diverse Scotland’s heritage can be - and if Shrek can have a tartan, so can anyone,” she said. “There are thought to be in excess of 50 million people across the world who can claim Scottish ancestry. So this is a great opportunity to be able to link our national heritage with such a well loved film character.” Steele presented Shrek producer Jeffrey Katzenberg with the official Scottish clan tartan at The Dorchester Hotel on June 11, 2007 in London, England. (You’d think they at least could have done it in Edinburgh!)

The tartan was specially woven in ‘Shrek Green’ design using traditional methods by kilt manufacturers Lochcarron. At 7 ft tall with a 102 inch waist it required more than 10 yards of cloth to create Shrek’s kilt and plaid. This was one of Lochcarron’s most unusal projects according to managing director David Ogilvie.

Always remember, “If it’s not Scottish, it’s crap!”