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 He DID (6 or 7 years ago) have the right to trade under St. Kilda USA, but that right was RESCINDED about 5 years ago and he's being chased, through legal channels, by the owner of St. Kilda to stop using the name (I know this b/c I'm close friends with the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.

**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.

**Harold Cannon** · 14th May 12, 04:33 PM

Oh boy! Go figure! I wish I could be there.

**MacMillans son** · 14th May 12, 05:33 PM

Harold,

For what it's worth, I ordered my first tartan order from him, under the Clansman Knitwear banner, prior to my coming to Xmarks. Fortunately, it went just fine and I had my fabric in two or three weeks. However, like you, I did learn about his shady business practices after ordering, and before receiving, my tartan. It was a terrible few weeks of waiting and worrying. This is not an endorsement of him or his practices, nor do I wish anyone to take my one time experience as an example of anything other than a one time thing, but fortunately for me, I got my goods as promised. Hopefully you will have a similar experience. Any chance you could contact St. Kilda and have them hold your order if and when it arrives? Or, if the money order has not been cashed, perhaps you could stop payment like a check ?

Wishing you the best of outcomes,
Brooke

**RockyR** · 14th May 12, 05:52 PM

St. Kilda USA (and Gremany, France, Australia, etc) is a franchise. Each operates independantly and only uses the name. Ralph used to have the USA franchise, but no longer does. If you contact St. Kilda Scotland, they won't have any record of the order as they're independant from Ralph.

**Thomas H** · 15th May 12, 07:00 AM

*** Ralph ***is a (%^%$%&*&^) Bad words - most of all (LIER)
Please be advised the only way you will get anything is to #one -cause a seen or #two
confront him at the Grand Father games -as he will be there for sure -pushing his products.

I am sorry to be this way -But I had to fight for my kilts I ordered from him. I mean it got ugly. I hope it turns out better for you .