Buying a Kilt - Edinburgh

[Highlander_Celt]

Hello everyone.

I am due to buy my first kilt shortly for my wedding and as I currently live near Bristol I planned to head back up to Edinburgh to hopefully purchase it all.

I was wondering where the best place to buy from in Edinburgh and am looking for both positive and negative experiences that people may have had.

The 2 places that stood out to me, probably as there the most popular searches on the web were Hector Russell and Geoffrey (Tailor). Should I consider or avoid these? I have read lots of good reviews for Celtic Craft Centre although they don't seem to have much of a website so i can't really check them out online.

I don't much of choice in clan options and quite liked a sample called Parkhead District that Geoffrey (Tailor) sent me and it's convenient that they do monthly visits to London and may be looking to consider that option as it will save on travel expences.

All advice and tips is greatly received...many thanks

[McClef]

I had a great kilt from Celtic Craft Centre but since then various problems have been reported - they never have had a good working website. Mine was all arranged by personal visit to their shop in Paisley Close. They offer a triple fringe on the right front apron.

St Kilda (Nicholson Kilts) down the Canongate is another I can recommend. They keep a stock of certain tartans that they bulk order - this helps to bring the costs down of the final kilt. They also offer a triple fringe.

[madmacs]

I'm probably a little out of date since it's 15 years since I bought my kilt, but at the time Hector Russel had a decent enough name... geofrey tailor has been around for ages too

Isnt scotweb.co.uk in edinburgh? IIRC 131 is edinburgh... prices were good when i checked them out online

[Jordan]

I haven't used either Hector Russell or Geoffrey (Tailor) but i did get a kilt from Twenty First Century Kilts which I would recommend whole heartedly, you might want to have a look.
I might be right in thinking that TFCK and Geoffrey (Tailor) use the some of the same kilt makers anyway.

Jordan

[Highlander_Celt]

"They offer a triple fringe on the right front apron."

What's that sorry? I'm a complete kilt novice

I am seriously considering Geoffrey (Tailor) as they visit London and this would be easier than getting up to Edinburgh.

I've read mixed reviews for them though which but with most things, you can never please everyone. From pictures I know the style I want and believe i've chosen my tartan. I just hope all that's left is picking the right tailor and for a good price. I want to make the right choice as I know it won't be cheap and am looking at forking out anywhere betten £800-1000.

[lethearen]

"They offer a triple fringe on the right front apron."

What's that sorry? I'm a complete kilt novice

On the right-hand side of the apron (as worn), there's a fringe comprised of the bare horizontal thread ends. Some kilt have a single strip of fringe, some have two. These people apparently offer three... though to be honest, I can't imagine why

I guess more rows implies a better quality kilt?

[McClef]

Three do look good

[Jordan]

Three do look good

He's right my black kilt has a row of red with black on either side and it does look good.

[Schiehallion]

I'd recommend Geoffrey Taylor and their London service is excellent. Celtic Crafts in Paisley Close Edinburgh is also good, and the problems I had were rectified easily.

Most of the other Edinburgh kilt shops are now owned by companies who import cheaper products and woven tartans from Asia (including some of the old establish kilting shops who still trade under their original name.

[Jock Scot]

For no other reason than offering an option(There are many fine kiltmakers in Scotland as well as some not so fine), why not go a few(OK more than a few!) miles further north to Inverness and visit "Chisholms" right by the castle.If I was to commision another kilt, they would get my business.