Fighting for the Tartan Army

I see my name was back in the national press at the weekend. But this time, it wasn’t at the top of the story – it WAS the story!

A company I own part of – Tartan Army Ltd – challenged a magazine over use of the name “Tartan Army”. We lost that battle.

But little was made of the war that was won – a challenge to the core trademark in which the magazine failed. So what’s the real story? The name “Tartan Army” was trademarked by a Glasgow merchandise firm before the France ’ 98 World Cup. When it came up for sale years later, a pal and I chipped in to buy it – and keep it in safe Scotland supporters’ hands.

In our first year, we raised £ 52,000 for Children in Need!

We initially supported a fanzine called The Famous Tartan Army Magazine – until it sold its shares to a German travel agency called Sett Gmbh. They wanted to cash in on lucrative supporters trips to European matches – with the magazine name as a ‘ front’.

The magazine ‘ editor’ went on their payroll – his wife as well! – and his contract promised bonuses with the more fans’ money he could attract.

When the German firm funded a “Tartan Army” ferry to Amsterdam – we learned supporters cash was being diverted to untouchable overseas accounts. Nor did the fans have “Atol” style travel protection. We felt they were out of bounds. We said we had no problem with any magazine and no problem with anyone selling travel – but just not under the Tartan Army’s reputable name. They refused . . . and the rest is a 98 page legal judgement by Lord Glennie!