Opinions on MacGregor and MacDuff?

[WillowEstate]

Value 7 yard wool with 2 straps £260
Traditional 8 yard wool 3 straps £400
Handmade 8 yard wool 3 straps £460

Does the extra yard make much difference bearing in mind I am a 32 waist. And does having an extra strap make much difference and are handmade kilts really better. At the moment I can't really see why I would pay an extra £140 for an extra yard and buckle.

Hi, I suspect the difference between the first and the other two isn't just a yard of cloth and a buckle! It's more likely to be the quality of the cloth and the quality of construction - the clue is in the word "Value".

Be that as it may, the actual yardage will depend (obviously) on your size and to some extent the sett, larger setts, generally need a bit more length, depending on how you want it pleated. At 32" waist, 7 or 8 yards won't make a huge difference, all things being equal.

Belts are a personal preference, the guy at the kiltmalker near us thinks the hip belt on the right is superfluous but I think the inner apron belt on the left is unnecessary and I like two on the right but go with what you prefer.

For what it's worth, my personal opinion on the three you've mentioned is that the choice would be between the first and the third, the first, if you want an everyday kilt and the third if you want something a bit more formal - but then I haven't seen them in the flesh, as it were! I'd certainly advise you take a trip over to Glasgow to have a good look at them.