The extremely useful and innovative Scotch transparent tape started selling on 8th September 1930. The product was created by 3M who also trademarked the name. However, over the years and because of its immense popularity, the name is sometimes used as a generic term.
How the tape got its name “Scotch”, is an interesting story. the term was actually used in contempt by a bodyshop painter, who after getting frustrated with the tape peeling off, remarked to Richard Drew, the inventor, “take this tape back to those Scotch bosses of yours and tell them to put more adhesive on it!” The name stuck and a kilt-wearing cartoon boy known as Scotty McTape was introduced as the brand mascot. Only later, the recognisable tartan print based on Wallace tartan was used.
