Waverley Scotland - Tartan Cloth Commonplace Notebook review

This is my last post for National Stationery Week, boooo!  Why can't it be National Stationery Month instead?  Who do I talk to about making this happen?  

Anyway, as I mentioned before I met Liz from Waverley on my visit to the Spring Fair.  She was there launching their latest product which was Tartan Cloth Commonplace Notebooks.  She explained to me that the books are made from genuine Kinloch Anderson Scotland tartan which happens to be the same company that holds Royal Warrents of Appointment as Tailors and Kiltmakers to the Royal Family!   

Waverley Scotland Tartan Cloth Commonplace Notebook

I also learnt a little history about Commonplace notebooks, they were scrapbooks for your ideas, facts, knowledge and thoughts and were used by famous thinkers and scientists of the Scottish Enlightenment like Robert Burns and John Playfair.  Waverley have made their books with this in mind and given you plain and lined paper to work with so you aren't restricted on how you use the notebook.  

Bookmark about Caledonia tartan & information booklet

Each book comes with a bookmark which tells you about the tartan used on the cover, mine is Caledonia and it is a universal tartan so anyone who is not associated with one of the clans can wear this one.  You also get a booklet which tells you about commonplace notebooks, information about Waverley, a clan map of Scotland and more about tartan and it's place in the world.  I found both of these really interesting to read and liked learning something new!

Matching elastic closure & stained edges

The notebooks have 176 pages made from acid-free 80 gsm cream paper with matching stained edges.  This paper is smooth and feels very nice to write on!  Towards the back of the book there are some perforated pages so if you needed to write a note or list you can do it on one of these sheets and easily remove it without leaving a mess behind.  I hate having to tear a page out of a notebook and leaving a raw edge sticking out so I love this idea!

Plain paper on the left & lined on the right

At the back of the notebook there is a slot for a business card or two and an expandable pocket for holding anything loose you want to keep in the book.  I usually pop receipts or a few sheets of post it notes in these kind of pockets, they are very handy!  There is also a ribbon page marker so you don't loose your place.

Card slot & expandable pocket

The notebooks come in a wide range of tartans so if you are Scottish or part Scottish you might be able to get a book in your family's tartan which is pretty cool!  If not you can go for Caledonia like me or Black Watch (green & blue) or Stewart Hunting (blue, green, red & yellow) tartans as they are all universal patterns.  

Waverley Scotland label on the reverse

I have to say I absolutely love this little notebook, it is the perfect size to carry in my bag and I think it looks very stylish.  I like having plain and lined paper to hand when I need it and the few perforated pages at the back are a great idea!

What do you think of this notebook?  Are you a fan of tartan?

*Disclaimer - I was given this product free of charge for the purpose of this review.  As always all opinions are honest and my own.  I am not affiliated with Waverley Scotland.