St. Kilda USA Question.

**Harold Cannon** · 14th May 12, 01:51 PM

Does anyone have any information about St. Kilda USA? The say they are part of the St. Kilda Group in Scotland.

I have ordered 10 yards of Lochcarron fabric from Ralph at that company and am hoping I didn't get taken. I heard from another that he has had some shady dealings in the past. He also is supposed to own Clansmen Knitwear based in California.

I have also contacted St. Kilda in Scotland as they were supposed to be processing the fabric through them to be sent in with a kilt order to Ralph in the states. I hope that I will hear back from them soon but this has me a little worried.

**denmcdough** · 14th May 12, 02:13 PM

I've had dealings with St. Kilda and it turned out not so good. However, other forum members have done quite well there. As for the USA contingent, well, I've heard horrible things about Ralph. No personal dealing with him, though. I'm sure all will turn out fine. Keep us posted.

**Harold Cannon** · 14th May 12, 02:28 PM

I hope so. All I ordered was 13 oz fabric so maybe that won't be an issue.

**RockyR** · 14th May 12, 03:00 PM

Ralph is the same guy who owns Clansman Knitwear and who also owns Scottish Clansman (google those companies or search up here... NOT a good reputation). He used to reside in California, but moved to a few different places before settling outside Pittsburgh PA. He DID (6 or 7 years ago) have the right to trade under St. Kilda USA, but that right was RESCINDED about 5 years ago and he's being chased, through legal channels, by the owner of St. Kilda to stop using the name (I know this b/c I'm close friends with the owner of St. Kilda and we've had many long discussions about Ralph).

My advice would be to challenge the charge to your credit card, tell Ralph to cancel the order and contact St. Kilda SCOTLAND about the issue. They weren't the ones who charged you (Ralph was), but I'm sure they'd like to know that he's still using their name and trading under their banner. Order the fabric from another reputable dealer.

**creagdhubh** · 15th May 12, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by RockyR

Ralph is the same guy who owns Clansman Knitwear and who also owns Scottish Clansman (google those companies or search up here... NOT a good reputation). He used to reside in California, but moved to a few different places before settling outside Pittsburgh PA. He DID (6 or 7 years ago) have the right to trade under St. Kilda USA, but that right was RESCINDED about 5 years ago and he's being chased, through legal channels, by the owner of St. Kilda to stop using the name (I know this b/c I'm close friends with the owner of St. Kilda and we've had many long discussions about Ralph).

My advice would be to challenge the charge to your credit card, tell Ralph to cancel the order and contact St. Kilda SCOTLAND about the issue. They weren't the ones who charged you (Ralph was), but I'm sure they'd like to know that he's still using their name and trading under their banner. Order the fabric from another reputable dealer.

***!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wish you the best of luck, Harold and hopefully everything works out fine. Next time, I would recommend ordering tartan fabric from one of our fine, reputable, and honourable retailers that advertise on this forum, at least then, you'll receive honest professionalism every time and have peace of mind!

Cheers,

**Harold Cannon** · 15th May 12, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by RockyR

Ralph is the same guy who owns Clansman Knitwear and who also owns Scottish Clansman (google those companies or search up here... NOT a good reputation). He used to reside in California, but moved to a few different places before settling outside Pittsburgh PA. He DID (6 or 7 years ago) have the right to trade under St. Kilda USA, but that right was RESCINDED about 5 years ago and he's being chased, through legal channels, by the owner of St. Kilda to stop using the name (I know this b/c I'm close friends with the owner of St. Kilda and we've had many long discussions about Ralph)

It looks as though this may not be the case!

**RockyR** · 15th May 12, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by Harold Cannon

It looks as though this may not be the case!

Agreed. I wasn't aware things had changed in the past year. I'll now slink back to my corner and keep my mouth shut.

**Braw Cathairneach** · 1st June 12, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by RockyR

"...My advice would be to challenge the charge to your credit card, tell Ralph to cancel the order and contact St. Kilda SCOTLAND about the issue. They weren't the ones who charged you (Ralph was), but I'm sure they'd like to know that he's still using their name and trading under their banner. Order the fabric from another reputable dealer.

Thank you for your advice. Your suggestions were implemented with the caveat that the gentleman would be paid if the sartorial goods were forthcoming and in proper sizing. The gentleman has thus far not responded to my conciliatory offer to remedy the concerns. It is increasingly apparent that your suggestions may have mitigated a some grief.

The firm in Scotland appears to be straightforward business people. They disavowed any connection with the gentleman, but were very kind about passing my concerns on to him.

**Harold Cannon** · 14th May 12, 03:45 PM

Well ladies and gentlemen I have probably been had! We will see but I don't think I will be getting my fabric or money then. I used a money order as my wife had the checkbook so yep you're looking at the number one sucker. He had a St. Kilda USA website up when I ordered the fabric last month but it is now gone so this is looking bad for me.

**Mark R** · 14th May 12, 04:21 PM

He will be vending at the Smoky Mountain Highland Games in Maryville, TN this weekend in case you are interested. Still using the St Kilda name by the way.