New Zealanders will receive the ‘gift of Scottish tartan' next week to help raise much-needed funds to rebuild their community after the earthquake which devastated much of the country this year.

Six months on, the aftermath of this tragic disaster is still evident. One village, Hororata – which is about an hour away from Christchurch – has turned to their Scottish roots for inspiration to help restore their community with a ‘Highland Gathering' fundraising event planned for Saturday 5 November.

In a bid to generate income, the community contacted the Scottish Tartans Authority (STA) to investigate registering a tartan for the inaugural event. After hearing the extent of the destruction in the area, particularly to the local church, Brian Wilton Director of the STA knew the Scottish textiles industry could provide much more help than just a registration.

Wilton – one of the world's leading tartan designers – offered to design Hororata's very own tartan, which would be woven in Scotland and gifted to the local community. All proceeds from the sale of the tartan would then go directly to rebuilding the village.

Four different tartans were initially designed and then sent to the people of Hororata for a public vote before the final design was chosen.

The STA then called out to the weavers of Scotland for a willing mill to join the cause donating their time and 30 metres of fabric to the people of Hororata. 

Selkirk-based weaver Robin Elliot, from Andrew Elliot Ltd, was quick to respond offering the company's 40 years of expertise to weave this special tartan.

The tartan, due to come off the loom September 2011, will then journey the 11,500 miles to Hororata. On 5 November, the fabric will be displayed at the Gathering, which will celebrate the community's Scottish ancestory and culture.

The Hororata tartan incorporates specially selected colors which represent the area including red to represent the native Rata tree after which Hororata was named and yellow and black to symbolise the local sports teams and school.

David Breckenridge, chair of industry group Textiles Scotland said: "The Hororata tartan is another example of how the Scottish textiles industry is able to use enviable skills and work together to help others. The fact that this latest registered tartan will help one of the areas most affected by the earthquake in New Zealand to rebuild is commendable.

"With insightful design from the Scottish Tartans Authority and skillful weaving from Andrew Elliot, the team has created a unique tartan which Hororata in New Zealand can be proud to call its own. We hope that visitors to the inaugural Highland Gathering will enjoy this unique gift and that it generates much funds to help with rebuilding the community."

Brian Wilton, director of the Scottish Tartans Authority, said: "We wanted to help the people of Hororata to rebuild their community and create a brighter future using the skills at our disposal here in Scotland. 

"This tartan was inspired by the people with whom we've have worked closely over the past three months to design something which will become a part of their community going forward. Being able to take this idea of a new tartan for a good cause and bring it to production right here in Scotland is a testament to the goodwill of the Scottish textiles community, and we are delighted that Andrew Elliot came on board to create this important gift."

Robin Elliot, from Andrew Elliot Ltd, said: "We jumped at the chance of being a part of this unique gift to the people of Hororata. They have been through so much so it is a pleasure for us to help deliver this special gift of tartan to the people.

"We hope that the tartan is well received at the Highland Gathering and boosts the earthquake appeal. The thoughts and best wishes of Scotland travel with the tartan."

If you are interested in learning more about Textiles Scotland please visit: www.textilescotland.com

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