In 1907, Mrs. Lillian Crewe-Walsh of Glace Bay, wrote a poem in praise of Cape Breton. This poem was given by Mrs. Walsh to a Mrs. Grant. In 1957, the year that the Nova Scotia Tartan was adopted, Mrs. Grant, an artisan, designed a tartan for Cape Breton drawing inspiration from her friend's poetic gift.
According to tradition, "Grey represents Cape Breton's steel industry, while black represents coal; and green for Cape Breton's lofty mountains, valleys and fields. Gold represents golden sunsets, 'Shining bright on the Lakes of Bras d'Or; To show us God's hand has lingered; To bless Cape Breton's shores.'"