The exciting initiative offered students the chance to engage with a real-world industry brief, inviting them to reinterpret Scotland’s iconic tartan fabric with a contemporary twist.

The students were tasked with creating innovative designs that reflect Mac Mic Group’s deep-rooted values and themes such as cultural heritage, legacy, community, and 100 years of placemaking. The challenge also encouraged students to integrate the company’s core principles into their designs, blending tradition with modernity.

This collaboration provided students with invaluable experience in applying their creativity to meet industry standards while enhancing their professional skills in presentation, communication, and client interaction. The winning designer received the opportunity to collaborate with both Mac Mic Group and the GSA’s Centre for Advanced Textiles (CAT) to bring their final printed tartan design to life. The tartan was digitally printed at CAT, whose distinguished clients include Grayson Perry, Timorous Beasties, as well as past projects for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and Google. CAT, celebrating 25 years in operation in 2025, is renowned for its cutting-edge textile innovations.

Mac Mic Group had kilts made using the winning tartan design, unveiling them in celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. The kilts were crafted by Glasgow-based Slanj, a company that will celebrate 30 years in business in 2025, known for its expert tailoring and commitment to Scottish heritage.

The project also offered a financial reward for both the winner and the runner-up, as well as funding to support GSA’s Textile Design graduates in participating in the prestigious New Designers exhibition in London, a key platform for showcasing emerging talent and connecting with industry leaders.

Andrew Mickel, director of Mac Mic Group, said: “As we celebrate our centenary year, we were thrilled to collaborate with The Glasgow School of Art on the Mac Mic Centenary Tartan Project. The standard and creativity displayed by all entrants were exceptional, and each design brought a fresh perspective to the reinterpretation of traditional tartan. Maddy McAuley received a commendation for her entry, which stood out in the competition.

“Claire Fowler, the winning designer, went above and beyond with her design, which resonated with the judges and captured the essence of this unique challenge. We are proud to support the next generation of textile designers and look forward to seeing their continued success in the industry.”

The winning tartan design incorporates Mac Mic Group’s signature colour palette, with additional hues chosen to reflect the company’s ethos and values. A modern chevron pattern was included to add a contemporary touch, distinguishing the design from more traditional tartans. The design also features a 100-yarn thread count in the warp, symbolising the 100 years of Mac Mic Group’s legacy.

This collaboration highlights Mac Mic Group’s ongoing commitment to fostering creative talent while celebrating a century of innovation and craftsmanship.

Dr Helena Britt, programme leader for BA (Hons) Textile Design at The Glasgow School of Art (GSA), said: “The Mac Mic Centenary Tartan Project has been a unique opportunity for The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) Textile Design students to engage with a meaningful and dynamic industry brief. Responding to the Mac Mic Group project brief to reinterpret Scotland’s iconic tartan fabric in a contemporary context has allowed the students to combine creativity with professionalism while drawing inspiration from a rich cultural legacy.

“The project exemplifies the significance of live industry design projects in preparing students for their future careers. We are excited to see Claire Fowler’s winning textile design, produced by GSA’s Centre for Advanced Textiles (CAT) and manufactured into products for the Mac Mic Group’s centenary celebrations.”