The coloring of the Cornish National Tartan must be unique to distinguish us from our fellow Celts in Scotland and elsewhere whose tartans are mainly green and red. Hence ours is the traditional old gold and black of Cornwall - inherited from the tinctures emblazoned by their ancient kings in their bezante shields. Eminently displayed is the National Flag of Celtic Cornwall - the White Cross of St Piran, the Tinners’ Saint, the Patron Saint of Cornwall, bardic blue — representing the sea that majestically surrounds the ancient kingdom. But the crowning glory of our tartan is, surely, the woven legend of the Spirit of King Arthur—the red “Arthurian” line—the symbol of Cornwall’s ancient kingdom and nationhood.
E.E,Morton-Nance
While its black plumage identifies it as a crow, the chough (pronounced ‘chuff’) has a red bill and legs unlike any other member of the crow family. It has a restricted westerly distribution in the British Isles and because of its small population size and historically declining populations it is an Amber List species. It readily displays its mastery of flight with wonderful aerial displays of diving and swooping. Normally found in flocks in autumn and winter.
