How much Highland attire goes to the Highlands?

**KD Burke** · 9th August 13, 05:42 AM

A remark made on a completely different topic got me to thinking. There is no question that the traditional, tartan kilt is most closely associated with Scotland, and particularly with the Highlands of Scotland, but how much of the current market for Highland Attire is in Scotland as compared to the rest of the world?

I doubt we can obtain a definitive answer as those in the trade would likley be unwilling to divulge details of their client base, but I have a suspicion that Lochcarron, Dalgliesh, Marton Mills, et al. do more business abroad than they do at home.

If that is true, is it possible that kilt wearers outwith Scotland have supported the industry and helped to preserve the Scottish National Dress as we know it today?

Any thoughts? Rebuttals?

**Jock Scot** · 9th August 13, 06:05 AM

I have no reliable information on this, but for sure the rest of the world is a far bigger market than just the Highlands of Scotland, all plainly obvious and there can be no argument there. But leading on from that------and I have no idea of the answer-----is how much business that kilt makers in the Highlands do with visitors from outwith Scotland? In my experiance, there is nearly always an overseas visitor ordering a something when I call into my usual kilt shop in Inverness. My inclination is that most kilt attire business in Scotland, nevermind the Highlands, is largely for consumption outwith Scotland. Particularly when we consider the general Scots requirement for one kilt and their access to heirlooms that those from overseas don't often have.

**davidlpope** · 9th August 13, 06:06 AM

My hunch is that only a small percentage of Highland attire is sold in the Highlands. I would think that many of the "necessary bits" needed to wear with the kilt are passed down in a family, making it rare for a kilt-wearer to have to buy all the accoutrements at one time. My guess is that Americans buy most new Highland attire items, and that even the Lowlands outpace the Highlands in the purchase of new items.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 9th August 13, 06:51 AM

From my discussions over the years with various owners of Highland dress manufacturers and retailers (anything from tartan weavers to kilt makers to hose knitters to sporran makers) the majority of their business is overseas. Not only to North America, Australia and New Zealand, but also a surprising amount to markets such as Japan.

I couldn't tell you percentages, but I know that just about every business in the market would have to close their doors if their customer base was reduced to only Scottish customers (not even limiting it to the Highlands).

So, all those grumpy old Highland kilt wearers who think the kilt should only be worn by Highlanders in the Highlands should raise a dram in appreciation to all those outwith Scotland who buy from their favorite Scottish suppliers, enabling them to keep the doors open for dour Scots traditionalists! :-)

**Phil** · 9th August 13, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

So, all those grumpy old Highland kilt wearers who think the kilt should only be worn by Highlanders in the Highlands should raise a dram in appreciation to all those outwith Scotland who buy from their favorite Scottish suppliers, enabling them to keep the doors open for dour Scots traditionalists! :-)

I do hope that your insulting reference to "grumpy old Highland kilt wearers" is not directed towards any member here in particular and that "dour Scots traditionalists" is similarly not meant to refer to that or any other member.

**KD Burke** · 9th August 13, 07:40 AM

Egad, Man! Did you not see the emoticon (the little type 'smiley" ) which indicated that Matt was jesting a bit? Don't be so quick to take offense when none was offered.

**CMcG** · 9th August 13, 07:49 AM

Gentlemen,

I propose that we be united by our love of the kilt, rather than divided by it...

-------------------------------

As for the international nature of the Highland attire industry, it is quite remarkable. In just a few hundred years, the kilt has gone from being the local dress of one small corner of the world, to being the national costume of Scotland and the transnational heritage attire of the Scottish diaspora in the farthest reaches of the globe. Let us not forget that it is also the international uniform for pipe bands and Highland regiments.

I think, however, it is possible that if the kilt had remained in the Highlands alone, that it could still have been preserved. It would probably be more of a cottage industry of bespoke craftspeople, rather than the mix of retail, made-to-measure, and bespoke business we see now. Hypothetically, that situation would have been more likely if the Highlands hadn't been cleared of so many of her people

**Phil** · 9th August 13, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by KD Burke

Egad, Man! Did you not see the emoticon (the little type 'smiley" ) which indicated that Matt was jesting a bit? Don't be so quick to take offense when none was offered.

I take it then that a smiley gives a licence to be as insulting as you like. It goes a little further than that, however, when epithets are used to disguise an attack on individuals from another country and as a tongue in cheek way of diminishing the validity of their opinions and deeply held views.