Cabot Highlands is celebrating 400 years of the historic Castle Stuart with something uniquely Scottish: the launch of its very own official tartan. The bespoke design is a nod to centuries of Highland heritage while also marking a bold new chapter, with the much-anticipated Old Petty course now open for preview play.
Castle Stuart, which looks out across the Moray Firth, was built in 1625 by James Stuart, 1st Earl of Moray. Once a forgotten relic, the castle is now the beating heart of Cabot Highlands, a place where history, golf and modern design come together. The new Old Petty course, created by celebrated architect Tom Doak, winds right up to the castle walls, with its turrets and stonework forming the backdrop to the third hole. It’s a layout already being tipped as one of the most exciting new golf courses in the world.
The tartan itself has been brought to life in collaboration with renowned Highland designer Clare Campbell. Inspired by the natural tones of the surrounding landscape and the story of Castle Stuart, the fabric has been woven at the last remaining tartan mill still operating in the Highlands, making it as authentic as it is meaningful.
“Celebrating the 400th anniversary of Castle Stuart is an incredible milestone and we’re honoured to mark the occasion by unveiling the official tartan of Cabot Highlands,” said Mark Wright, general manager & regional VP, hospitality, Cabot Highlands. “Woven at the last operating tartan mill in the Highlands, this bespoke piece is a tribute to the rich history of the land and the enduring spirit of the region.”
The Cabot Highlands Tartan has been designed to balance heritage with modern identity, whether worn on the golf course or off it, a true symbol of place and connection.
“At Cabot, branding has always been about storytelling with purpose. From day one, we’ve been intentional about every detail, and the creation of the Cabot Highlands tartan is no exception,” said Jules Cowan-Dewar, chief marketing officer, Cabot. “It’s more than a design, it’s a symbol of place, history and identity that connects our guests to the Highlands in a deeply authentic way.”
To mark the occasion, Cabot Highlands has also released a limited-edition Tartan Collection, available exclusively at the on-site golf shop. Guests can also shop the 400th anniversary logo collection in-store or online. (Please note: tartan products don’t feature the 400th anniversary logo and are only available in person at Cabot Highlands.)
With the new course taking shape under Tom Doak’s guidance, and Ben Cowan-Dewar—Cabot’s Co-Founder and CEO—leading the vision, Cabot Highlands is continuing to strike that balance between honouring the past and embracing the future. The launch of the tartan, tied to Castle Stuart’s 400th anniversary, is the latest reminder of just how special this corner of the Scottish Highlands has become, with Old Petty now open for preview play alongside the world-renowned Castle Stuart course.
