New legislation aimed at creating a national register of tartans was launched yesterday. Tory MSP Jamie McGrigor has put the forward plans in a member's bill to the Scottish Parliament.

His proposals for a register, which would draw together information about the different tartan designs, have the backing of the Scottish Government.

Under the plans the National Archives of Scotland would create and maintain the register, with input from industry experts.

The register could also help both promote and preserve the fabric.

Launching his bill, Mr McGrigor, MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: "I am glad to help elevate the status of tartan in this way and to contribute to tartan gaining ever wider recognition worldwide."

It is the second time he has put forward such plans and he added: "It now has cross-party support and I am hopeful of the bill going through smoothly."

George Mackenzie, the Keeper of the Records of Scotland - who is the head of the National Archives of Scotland - will also act as the keeper of the register of tartans, overseeing it and the registration of new designs.

He said: "For the first time this register will draw together and preserve in Scotland the vital information about what makes each tartan unique."