Going mad for Scottish plaid

You'd be hard-pressed to find someone living in Canada who hasn't had an experience with tartan. Whether it's through your own family history, a brush with a kilt while at private school or through its multiple pop culture references (say, hunky Mel Gibson in Braveheart anyone?), tartan has been an integral part of our North American identity. But for this country trend report, you can forget everything you thought you knew about tartan patterns. With this in mind we've tracked down the latest looks in tartan chic. Tradition be damned, we discovered new colour combinations and patterns that can create excitement and update charm in any of your rooms.

Our quest for tartan is set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, an area rife with the patina of time. We climb aboard The Royal Scotsman, a luxury train with its wheels firmly entrenched in the country's rich history, for a tour of the hilly region. Over four days, the train winds past lilac-coloured fields cloudy with heather, historic villages and world-famous lochs. Tales are told, haggis and kippers (delicious I might add, who knew?) are consumed, along with perfectly toasted fresh bread. Stops are planned for castle visits, whisky tastings and shopping. A ceilidh is attended, and we are whirled around the dance floor by nimble Scotsmen while the locals play their fiddles. The experience is a sensory delight. And back in the train's wood-panelled cabin, the new look of tartan finds its place in Scotland's history – er, decorative history, that is.

TARTAN TIPS
Mix and mingle
Try pairing two unexpected colours, like a yellow plaid with a purple plaid, to add interest.

Set it off
The graphic quality of tartans look best when set against other classic patterns (also in unexpected colourways), such as herringbones and tweeds.

Be brave
Layer patterns liberally – you can always tone things down with a neutral backdrop, for example, a chocolate brown couch is the perfect setting for a mix of tartan pillows.

Pretty it up
Plaids with florals? Why not. Just make sure that the colours of both patterns relate. The floral pattern should also be relatively simple -- busy tartan doesn't need much competition.