HMS Neptune commissioned Brian Wilton MBE to design the Neptune tartan, made up of the Royal Navy colours of red, white and blue, and green from the establishment’s badge, which form the three prongs of Neptune’s trident.

The colours are edged in black in order to commemorate the tragic loss of the cruiser HMS Neptune in the Mediterranean during the Second World War.

Captain of HMS Neptune, Captain James Hayes, said: “We are very proud to be the only Naval Base in Scotland and so wanted to highlight our Scottish identity by creating the Neptune tartan.

“The chosen design incorporates HMS Neptune’s location in the Scottish landscape, the unit’s history and also the globally recognisable colours of the Royal Navy.” He continued: “With the number of personnel at Clyde increasing over the next few years as the Naval Base grows into its role as home of the entire Submarine Service, more and more sailors will have the opportunity to wear the Neptune tartan with pride.” The tartan will be weaved by Strathmore Woolen Co Ltd, with company Keltic Ties employed to produce cummerbunds for personnel to wear with their dress uniforms during formal occasions.

It is also hoped that HMS Neptune’s Volunteer Band will sport the tartan when playing at events and competitions.

The pattern has been recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans and as a military tartan, can only be worn by those authorised by the Commanding Officer of HMS Neptune.

Brian Wilton, director of the Scottish Tartan Authority, said: “We were pleased and honoured to be involved in the design of the HMS Neptune tartan.

“Not only will it be a lasting Scottish memento for service personnel serving there but also an indelible link with the past – the history of the surrounding area and the memories of those who gave their lives on HMS Neptune in 1941.” Jonathan Brown, Designer and Marketing Director at the Strathmore Woollen Company expressed his delight in their part of the project, saying: “Strathmore are very pleased to be part of the project and are looking forward to seeing it - there’s always a little bit of anticipation to see a new weave come forth!” HMS Neptune still exists as part of HMNB Clyde, and was the original name of Faslane Naval Base. It currently consists of navy personnel who are not part of a seagoing vessel.

HMS Neptune sank in 1941 after sailing into an uncharted minefield off Tripoli. 764 officers and men died, leaving only one survivor. The black edging on the green featured in the tartan commemorates this loss.