In a bold move to strengthen its identity north of the border, the Reform UK party has declared it will create its own official tartan. The announcement, aimed squarely at attracting Scottish support, was made by party chairman Dr David Bull at a rally in Falkirk.
A New Tartan for a "Scottish Identity"
Speaking to a room of cheering supporters on Saturday 6 December 2025, Dr Bull framed the move as an essential step for the party. "I am delighted to announce today we are taking an important step in enshrining Reform's Scottish identity," he stated. He credited the idea to Martin Green, praising his "enterprising and very out of the box thinking."
The plan involves producing the bespoke tartan pattern to manufacture party merchandise for members. "We are having our own tartan made so we can then produce scarves and hats and kilts, and so on, for our members north of the border," Dr Bull promised. He added that details on how to purchase the items would follow soon and expressed his personal enthusiasm, saying, "Personally I can’t wait to address our next Scottish meeting in full Scottish dress as a true Scotsman."
Falkirk Rally and the Immigration Debate
The tartan reveal was a key moment at a sold-out rally addressed by Reform leader Nigel Farage. The event in Falkirk forms part of the party's campaign build-up for the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.
The town has been a focal point for tensions over immigration, with regular protests held outside the Cladhan Hotel, which houses asylum seekers. These demonstrations, often organised by a group called Save Our Future and Our Kids Futures, have been met with counter-protests from Falkirk for All, which planned a "unity march" through the town on the same Saturday.
Ahead of the rally, Mr Farage penned a column for the Daily Mail, arguing that "uncontrolled migration" was altering Scottish cities "almost beyond recognition." He criticised the "open door policies" of both the SNP and Labour. "Falkirk has become a symbol of Scotland’s anger over the asylum crisis," he wrote, framing the political battle as a "straight fight" between the SNP and Reform.
Political Reactions and Accusations
The move has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents. Scottish First Minister John Swinney accused Mr Farage of seeking to "whip up hate." "Nigel Farage has no interest in people in Falkirk or anywhere else in Scotland," Mr Swinney said. "Farage needs to understand that communities in Scotland are not props to be used in his political games."
Despite the criticism, Reform UK is pressing forward with its strategy, using symbolic cultural gestures like its own tartan to cement its appeal and differentiate itself from the "old establishment" parties it seeks to challenge in Scotland.
