Is there anything like a registry for Scottish Tweeds

[Jock Scot]

Have you come across the term “Estate tweeds”? These tweeds are a specific pattern owned by a specific Estate and usually limited to a specific family and their staff. The patterns can sometimes look rather out of place in some settings, but “out on the hill” they act as a very good camouflage for those involved in country sports. They, the pattern, are often jealously guarded by the particular Estate and their staff.

There is a lovely book that was printed just a few years ago, called “Estate tweeds” and maybe out of print now , but I often see a copy lurking in Scottish hotels and the like and somewhere I have a copy that when I come across it, I often spend a few minutes looking at the assorted patterns and have very happy memories of being in the presence of those who proudly wear their particular Estate tweed.

These days Estate tweeds are not as common as they used to be, as the specific patterns and the bolts of cloth are a very expensive private arrangement between the the weaver, tailor and the customer. As an example, I well remember going into Haggarts( sadly no longer in business) and seeing 18 Estate staff, from the same Estate, in the shop ALL getting measured up for their Estate tweed three piece suits. OUCH! These suits were,-----still are in places----- part of the staff’s employment entitlement and very proud they were and still are, to wear them.


For anyone who might be interested, the book that I mentioned is called, Scottish Estate Tweeds. By, E.P.Harrison.
Produced by, Johnsons Of Elgin.

[jsrnephdoc]

Have you come across the term “Estate tweeds”? These tweeds are a specific pattern owned by a specific Estate and usually limited to a specific family and their staff. The patterns can sometimes look rather out of place in some settings, but “out on the hill” they act as a very good camouflage for those involved in country sports. They, the pattern, are often jealously guarded by the particular Estate and their staff.

There is a lovely book that was printed just a few years ago, called “Estate tweeds” and maybe out of print now , but I often see a copy lurking in Scottish hotels and the like and somewhere I have a copy that when I come across it, I often spend a few minutes looking at the assorted patterns and have very happy memories of being in the presence of those who proudly wear their particular Estate tweed.

I HAD heard the term, but I was unaware of its significance. I take it from your description that a waistcoat made from such fabric would not likely be available at retail to some ordinary person NOT titled by family roots or employment to wear it?

Curiosity whetted, however, I 'll see where a bit of web searching takes me. Meanwhile, my contact at St. Kilda kilts has arranged to send me swatches of a few fabrics that I might be able to wear on warm summer days, hiding the suspenders that prevent my now-too-large kilts from falling off, AND in cooler weather perhaps add a bit of interest sitting underneath one of my daywear kilt jackets.

[figheadair]

[QUOTE=jsrnephdoc;1411411]I HAD heard the term, but I was unaware of its significance. I take it from your description that a waistcoat made from such fabric would not likely be available at retail to some ordinary person NOT titled by family roots or employment to wear it?[/]

You are possibly familiar with Gun Club Checks as they are called in the US. The original version is very close to the Coigach Estate Tweed.

[Jock Scot]

Good point there Peter, I had forgotten the "Gun Club" tweed aspect, that those in the USA might be familiar with.