Royal air force cilt supplier

**Blaidd** · 15th August 18, 09:37 AM

Not sure if this sits better in the 'Wanted....' section, so apologies if mis-posted.

Due to budgetary constraints, I am attempting to find a supplier of a non-wool Royal Air Force cilt, but am failing within the UK suppliers of which I am aware. I wondered if there might be a supplier 'across the pond' in either the USA or Canada (thought to be my best bet), or indeed, elsewhere?

Grateful for any of the Rabble's thoughts...! Many thanks.

**Elden** · 15th August 18, 11:51 AM

I would try USA KILTS

**The Wizard of BC** · 15th August 18, 01:19 PM

The reason you may not be finding a kiltmaker is that I do not know of any weaver who produces the UK, Royal Air Force, Tartan fabric in a synthetic or synthetic blend.

I did see a run of the Canadian RCAF Tartan in a Poly/Rayon blend but I believe that was a custom run.

The RAF Tartan, ITI 2123 & SRT 3586, was designed by Arthur Mackie of Strathmore woolen mills in July 1989 and is still woven in wool by Strathmore.

Perhaps you can inquire with Strathmore or even the Kirriemuir Aviation Museum in Angus, Scotland.

**Blaidd** · 16th August 18, 05:01 AM

Thank you gentlemen, I 'feared' that might be the case. I was clutching at straws in the hope that as it was 'non-clan/generic' tartan, it may have made its way across the pond. I will certainly try the contacts as suggested.

Diolch!

**cessna152towser** · 16th August 18, 06:10 AM

As far as I am aware the RAF tartan is only available in wool and can only be ordered through Strathmore Woollens. The now deceased Squadron Leader Arthur Mackie originally designed the tartan for an Air Training Corps pipe band. Initially the tartan was called "Air Force" but was later adopted by the Royal Air Force as their official tartan. Scarves and ties in the tartan are available through the Royal Air Force museum shops but the kilt is only supplied through Strathmore Woollens. When I bought my kilt, they would only supply completed kilts and not the fabric, as the kilt is now a formal item of uniform for dining in events. They insisted in pleating my kilt to the sett, as they said I was not entitled to wear the RAF kilt pleated to the stripe as it was a uniform item and although my father had served in the RAF, I had only attended the ATC. However, another member here who was based in the USA and whose father had served in the RAF was later able to persuade Strathmore Woollens to send fabric to an American based kilt maker who made a kilt for him which is pleated to the stripe.