Edinburgh-based sustainable fashion brand Project Harmless has reintroduced a rare tartan, originally woven for Scotland’s first-ever Commonwealth Games in 1970, in the form of a limited-edition scarf.
This high-quality wool tartan had been stored away and forgotten in a Dumfries warehouse for over five decades—until now. With a commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship, Project Harmless has transformed this rediscovered fabric into a unique, eco-conscious fashion piece.
George Greer, co-founder of Project Harmless, saw the untapped potential of the material:
“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.’”
Keen to repurpose the fabric, Ka Ho Wong, Creative Director at Project Harmless, saw this as a chance to merge sustainability with Scottish heritage.
“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 relocated to Glasgow six years ago after completing a Sociology degree 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 handcrafted in the Scottish Borders, featuring hand-fringed edges, an upcycled leather patch, and a hand-signed certificate of authenticity, all beautifully packaged in an eco-friendly gift box.
Tackling Textile Waste Through Sustainable Fashion
The fashion industry produces a staggering 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, much of which is discarded in landfills or incinerated.
By repurposing unused fabric, Project Harmless is proving that forgotten materials can be reimagined into timeless, high-quality accessories, setting a new standard for sustainable fashion.
Scottish climate scientist and sustainability advocate Laura Young commended the initiative, stating:
“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 Piece of History with a Modern Purpose
With only 100 scarves available, this exclusive release offers fashion-conscious consumers a rare opportunity to own a meaningful piece of Scotland’s textile heritage.
Each scarf is priced at £80 and is available exclusively through the Project Harmless website.
Following the success of this project, Project Harmless plans to expand its product line, introducing a range of sustainable travel bags and pet accessories made from repurposed materials.
George Greer reinforced the brand’s vision:
“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 more information, visit www.projectharmless.com.
