Public consultation: Europe wants to protect kilts
You know what?
The European Commission in Brussels wants to give new GIs (Geographical Indications) to "highlight specific qualities of products due to human factors".
And, even if they haven't mentionned the haggis yet for this public consultation, Scottish kilts are on the list...
Flying colours for tartans
Hip hip Hurray!We are sure kilts and Scottish tartans will successfully pass the test.
And just like Hans LOLKEMA on the photo during the Bressuire Highland Games, it will be with flying colours!
This public consultation about tartans is good news for Bressuire, too.
From Tiretaine to Tartan
Tartans are no secrets for the city where, in the past, one of the essential industry was TIRETAINE, the French origin of the English word Tartan.
Funny, isn't it?
And to celebrate the past, we can still find a Tiretaine Square in Bressuire as a symbol of this past industry.The European Commission's text
In a long text, the commission explains why tartans, just like Bordeaux wines or Bohemian crystal, must be protected.
"In today’s globalised world, the range of products offered to the consumer is almost unlimited. To make an informed choice, consumers need to gather and compare information on the price and characteristics of an increasing number of goods.(...)
Geographical indications (GIs) are indications that identify goods as originating in a country, region or locality where a particular quality, reputation or other characteristic of the product is essentially attributable to its geographical origin, for example Bordeaux (wine), Vetro di Murano (glass) or Prosciutto di Parma.
Foodstuff and handicrafts
GIs are self-evidently relevant to agricultural products, foodstuff, wines and other alcoholic beverages. (...)
However,the use of GIs is not limited to agricultural products. A GI may also highlight specific qualities of a product that are due to human factors found in the product’s place of origin, such as specific manufacturing skills and traditions.
This is the case, for instance, for handicrafts, which are generally handmade using local natural resources and usually embedded in the traditions of local communities.
The European Union (EU) is rich in such authentic, non-agricultural products, based on traditional knowledge and production methods, which are often rooted in the cultural and social heritage of a particular geographical location, e. g. Bohemian crystal, Scottish tartans, Marmo di Carrara (marble) or Meissner Porzellan (porcelain).
All these products form part of Europe’s traditional knowledge and skills, and so are important to its cultural heritage and contribute to the cultural and creative economy. They also have a considerable economic potential, given the right conditions of their exploitation are met.
Innovation and technological progress are instrumental in making the best out of local expertise and heritage.."
Now we just have to wait and see...
But as usual, Bressuire, the city of tiretaine will be proud to host tartans from all over the world for its World Championship on June 13 and 14, 2014
More about the European consultation until October 28
All you must know about KILTS and UNDER THE KILTS