Sillitoe Tartan is the name given to the distinctive black and white chequered pattern correctly known as dicing, which was originally associated with the police in Scotland, but which later spread to widespread use in Australia, New Zealand, the rest of the United Kingdom and Chicago as well as Pittsburgh in the United States.

Elsewhere it is rare, such as in parts of Canada where it is limited to the Auxiliary Police services.

Based on the diced bands seen on the Glengarries that are worn by several Scottish regiments of the British Army, the pattern was first adopted for police use in 1932 by Sir Percy Sillitoe, Chief Constable of the City of Glasgow Police.

Sillitoe Tartan may be composed of several different colours and number of rows depending on local custom, but when incorporated into uniforms, or vehicle livery, serves to uniquely identify emergency services personnel to the public.

More Info: www.tartanregister.gov.uk