Kiltmaker near Edinburgh

[greybadger]

Hello all,

A first post, so by way of an introduction... I've been kilted since 2002, when I got a great heavyweight 8 yarder from Geoffrey (Tailor). That kilt has seen lots of abuse, from formal to pubbing and everything in between. Sadly, due to being away for the best part of a year recently, it got roundly attacked by moths and has been consigned to the great resting place in the sky. Not good news (note to self - moths are flighty little buggers).

So... I now find myself on the market for a new kilt. I'll be up in Edinburgh over the summer, so makes sense to visit a kiltmaker whilst I'm there. Whilst I have been exceptionally pleased with my G(T) kilt over the years, I feel I should explore other options too, and advice is welcome. I am aware that these threads have been a fair few times in the past, but it's always the same few 'big names' that are mentioned. Of those, apart from G(T), Stewart Christie and Gordon Nicolson catch my eye. Does anybody have any idea of the cost of a kilt (8 yds, 16 oz) from SC?

Those 'big names' aside, I am always keen to support independent craftspeople. Names that have come up are Veronica Rose and Rendall's of Lochalsh. Problem with Redall's being that I will not be venturing up into the Highlands this time, and would want to be fitted properly rather than sending my best-attempt self measurements. Has anybody got any experiences with either of these, or can suggest any other good, independent names in or around Edinburgh? I will have my car with me, so can travel within reason.

Many thanks in advance!

[Calgacus]

I was in Stewart Christie's a few months ago and I recall being quoted in excess of £600 for a kilt in 16oz Lochcarron Strome. I see that Geoffrey (Tailor) quote a variety of prices on their website, but for a kilt in the same cloth, £545.

By comparison, I got my most recent kilt from Philip King in Aberdeen, who currently quote £425 for the same beastie, and as far as I can tell there is no discernible difference in quality or construction.

I'm sure somebody with local knowledge will come up with some more reasonable prices or at least a very good reason as to why those prices are quite so high.

[rtown]

Welcome to XMarks!

[Father Bill]

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

[ASinclair]

Hello greybadger!

[greybadger]

Calgacus, thank you. Around the £500 - £600 mark seems pretty standard, I just wanted to avoid a 'big name' markup to a cool grand or something silly like that. Aberdeen would be a bit of a further trip north than I was planning!

[creagdhubh]

I recommend Hugh Macpherson's shop in Haymarket. It is owned and operated by Hugh's granddaughter, Allison. You can find the shop at the below address (they have sinced moved from their West Maitland address in Haymarket), or ring the shop direct at 031-225 4008/9 (2 phone lines).

Hugh Macpherson (Scotland) Ltd.
Highland Outfitters
5A Grosvenor Street
Edinburgh EH12 5EB

[John_Carrick]

I had a good experience with Gordon Nicholson (£340 for an 8 yard kilt in 2011).

[greybadger]

3 years of inflation have added £150 to that price, but that seems within the norm. I can't remember what I paid back in 2002, but I think it was in the £380 mark. As a broke student just starting uni, that was a lot of dosh for me then.

Thanks all for the welcomes!

[rsvpiper]

Greybadger try Redshanks they are based up in Victoria Hall, Newtown, Inveraray PA32 8UH
01499 302525 have a chat with Francis she's very knowledgeable and sooooper helpful they will do all by telephone all their kilts are hand made, If you do contact her say hello from me Andy Pike