Scottish designer Siobhan Mackenzie has collaborated with Heineken to create the 'Fabric of the Nation' Tartan Army soundwave kilt, and Scottish football fans can enter an Instagram competition to win one.
Unique Soundwave Kilt Celebrates Tartan Army's Passion
The Tartan Army roar has been transformed into a kilt. Scotland supporters are renowned for their fervent enthusiasm, having once generated an earthquake-level Hampden Roar. Despite their passionate loyalty, only a small number of Scottish football fans will have the chance to witness Scotland's first World Cup appearance in 28 years live in person.
To unite fans unable to attend matches in person, Heineken UK has partnered with acclaimed Scottish designer Siobhan Mackenzie to convert the energy of the stands into a one-of-a-kind 'soundwave kilt.' Captured by portrait and documentary photographer Sam Gregg, this garment blends heritage, fashion, and football fervor into a modern tribute to Scottish fans worldwide.
On the first anniversary of Scotland's First Minister John Swinney inaugurating Heineken UK's headquarters in Edinburgh, Heineken has encapsulated the rhythmic pulse, thunderous volume, and infectious energy of the iconic football chant 'We'll Be Coming,' sung by the spirited Tartan Army.
From Sound Waves to Fabric
A recording of the chant was processed to generate a visual representation of the sound waves. Siobhan Mackenzie then transformed these sound waves into artwork, which she embroidered onto a kilt, creating a unique fabric directly inspired by the voices of Scotland's supporters.
To be in the running for a bespoke 'Fabric of the Nation' kilt, football enthusiasts simply need to comment on Instagram about who they are enjoying a matchday beer with on the #FabricOfTheNation post @Heineken_UK. The winner will then provide their own football chant to be transformed into a personalized soundwave design for a one-off kilt crafted by Heineken and Siobhan Mackenzie.
Statements from Partners
Stephen Rooney, Director at Heineken UK, said: "This summer is a moment of celebration for Scotland fans all over the world. The now infamous Hampden Roar shows the passion and pride of Scottish football fans and we wanted to create a moment that recognized that spirit. Alongside our UK headquarters, based in Edinburgh and housing the majority of our 500 Scotland-based employees, we have a network of 225 Star Pubs throughout Scotland and are proud of our longstanding commitment to supporting this proud nation. Creating this bespoke kilt, in partnership with the Tartan Army and Siobhan Mackenzie, is a tribute to the chants, passion, and loyalty of Scottish fans. Whether supporters are in the stadium, at the pub, or cheering from home, we wanted to make sure the voices of the supporters are always part of the occasion."
Siobhan Mackenzie, co-designer of the 'Fabric of the Nation' kilt, remarked: "Scotland's textile heritage and football fandom are both rooted in passion, pride, and community, so bringing those worlds together for this project felt incredibly special. Working with Heineken to transform the roar of the Tartan Army into a one-of-a-kind piece has been a unique opportunity to celebrate the people who make football what it is."
Martin Riddell, Chair of the Edinburgh Tartan Army, said: "To see the volume and passion behind our voices transformed into something tangible is a fantastic tribute to the fans who travel far and wide to support the team. This project captures the energy we bring to the stands and celebrates the unique bond that unites Scotland supporters across generations and across the world."
