Falling markets and the effect/affect to the kilt.

[Jack Daw]

Predicting such is like predicting the direction of the stock market and the currency exchange rate - it really can't be done. All I can tell you is that when I was in Scotland just 4 months ago, the exchange rate was around $1.98/BP and today it's $1.48. Looks like NOW is a good time to buy a kilt (compared to 4 months ago)!

[ThistleDown]

Predicting such is like predicting the direction of the stock market and the currency exchange rate - it really can't be done. All I can tell you is that when I was in Scotland just 4 months ago, the exchange rate was around $1.98/BP and today it's $1.48. Looks like NOW is a good time to buy a kilt (compared to 4 months ago)!

I'm really hesitant to say this because I split my life between Scotland and Canada, but I have to say: buy the tartan fabric in Scotland and have your kilt made by the best kilt-maker you can find in your own country.

In other words, buy the highest quality raw material and retain talented craftspeople to make your kilt. The result will be support for the best mills in Scotland (and a guarantee of fine fabric for the future), and local artesans will soon have apprentices for our kilts yet to come.

[Jack Daw]

I'm really hesitant to say this because I split my life between Scotland and Canada, but I have to say: buy the tartan fabric in Scotland and have your kilt made by the best kilt-maker you can find in your own country.

In other words, buy the highest quality raw material and retain talented craftspeople to make your kilt. The result will be support for the best mills in Scotland (and a guarantee of fine fabric for the future), and local artesans will soon have apprentices for our kilts yet to come.

Two words: Kathy Lare.

[macwilkin]

Two words: Kathy Lare.

Also Matt Newsome and Barb Tewkesbury.

T.

[McClef]

I know that VAT isn't charged on exports but the reduction from 17.5% to 15% for domestic purchases might have a slight effect over here.

However a saving of £2.50 per hundred pounds of pre tax value isn't going to have a massive effect on making kilts cheaper really.

[Jack Daw]

Also Matt Newsome and Barb Tewkesbury.

T.

Yes, there was certainly no intention to take away from their craftsmanship. As a matter of fact, I hope to rely on the former's skills in the near future.

[NewKilt]

Although we've been talking about buying fabric in Scotland and having the kilt made locally, I think we also need to remember the kilt makers/sellers that pay to advertise on XMarks since there advertising dollars support the success and membership growth of this wonderful website.

Over the last 2 weeks I've purchased an Ancient MacRae Hunting wool kilt from Stillwater, and a polyvicose semi-traditional Isle of Skye from USA Kilts. Fortunately I had the money to do so. Just my 2 cents worth. I could have bought the Isle of Skye in a 16oz wool 8 yard machine sewn from scottishkilts.net for about the same money due to their current sale. I knew this before I made the Isle of Skye purchase, but elected to support Rock and Kelly.

Darrell