Project Harmless Revives 1970 Commonwealth Games Tartan Scarf

For over five decades, a rare tartan fabric woven for the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Scotland remained untouched in a Dumfries warehouse.

Now, thanks to Project Harmless, this piece of Scottish textile history has been given new life as a limited-edition, handcrafted wool scarf, a testament to sustainable fashion, heritage craftsmanship, and plastic-free design.

From Forgotten to Fashion: The Story Behind the Tartan

When Project Harmless co-founders George Greer and Ka Ho Wong first discovered the fabric, they saw a lost opportunity for sustainability.

“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,’” said George Greer, the Scottish eco-entrepreneur and co-founder of Project Harmless.

Creative director Ka Ho Wong, who has long admired Scottish culture, saw this as a chance to redefine sustainable fashion while honoring Scotland’s 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 moved to Glasgow six years ago.

“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.”

Scottish Craftsmanship Meets Sustainability

Each Harmless Réservé tartan scarf is handmade in the Scottish Borders, a region renowned for its textile heritage. The scarf features:

• Pure wool fabric, originally woven for Scotland’s first Commonwealth Games
• Hand-fringed edges, preserving traditional craftsmanship
• An upcycled leather patch, reinforcing Project Harmless’ commitment to sustainable design
• A hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity, elevating it as a true collectible
• Luxury eco-conscious packaging, making it perfect for gifting

With just 100 scarves available, this release is not just a fashion statement—it’s a piece of Scottish history reimagined for a sustainable future.

Tackling Textile Waste in Fashion

The fashion industry is responsible for an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year. Much of this ends up in landfills or incinerated, contributing to pollution and unnecessary resource depletion.

“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,” said Laura Young, Scottish climate scientist and sustainability advocate.

A Future of Sustainable Luxury

With the success of this limited-edition tartan scarf, Project Harmless is expanding its Harmless Réservé collection to include sustainable travel bags and eco-friendly pet accessories, continuing its mission to revive forgotten fabrics and redefine fashion with purpose.

“Our mission goes beyond creating stylish, high-quality products,” said George. “It’s about reshaping the industry’s approach to sustainability and inspiring other businesses to embrace local craftsmanship.”

The Harmless Réservé 1970 Commonwealth Games Scarf is priced at £80 and available exclusively on Project Harmless’ website.