Scottish sustainable fashion brand Project Harmless has unveiled a limited-edition scarf made from rare tartan fabric originally woven for the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
The high-quality wool tartan, stored in a Dumfries warehouse for over 50 years, has now been rediscovered and repurposed into a unique accessory that pays tribute to Scotland’s rich textile heritage.
George Greer, Scottish eco-entrepreneur and co-founder of Project Harmless, immediately recognised the fabric’s potential:
“When I saw the tartan, I immediately thought, ‘What a waste for such high-quality tartan just sitting in a corner, there must be something we can do.’”
Determined to preserve and repurpose the material, Ka Ho Wong, Creative Director at Project Harmless, was inspired to transform it into a meaningful fashion statement.
“Scottish culture has always fascinated me; perhaps it’s because I grew up in Hong Kong, where tartan designs and bagpipe bands were a familiar part of life,” said Ka Ho, who moved to Glasgow six years ago after studying Sociology at Juniata College in the USA.
“This tartan is historical, and it deserved to be more than just forgotten material,” added Ka Ho. “It is also a chance to showcase Scottish craftsmanship and support the rural economy.”
Each scarf is carefully handmade in the Scottish Borders, featuring hand-fringed edges, an upcycled leather patch, and a hand-signed certificate of authenticity—all elegantly packaged in a gift box.
Addressing the Fashion Industry’s Waste Crisis
The fashion industry generates an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, much of which is dumped in landfills or incinerated.
Through the revival of this long-forgotten tartan, Project Harmless is championing sustainable fashion, proving that high-quality materials can be repurposed into luxurious, eco-conscious accessories.
Scottish climate scientist and sustainability advocate Laura Young highlighted the importance of such initiatives:
“Often people don’t fully understand the impact of fashion on the environment, society, and economy. Project Harmless offers a solution-driven approach to fashion and can be a catalyst for real change.”
A Collector’s Item with a Story
With only 100 scarves available, this limited-edition piece offers customers a rare opportunity to own a unique part of Scotland’s textile history.
Priced at £80, the scarves are exclusively available through the Project Harmless website.
Following this successful launch, the company plans to introduce a range of sustainable travel bags and pet accessories, further reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly fashion.
George Greer emphasised the broader impact of Project Harmless:
“Our mission goes beyond creating stylish, high-quality products. It’s about reshaping the industry’s approach to sustainability and inspiring other businesses to embrace local craftsmanship.”
For further details, visit www.projectharmless.com.
