Interest in kilts/Scottish things, should benefit Scotland, and UK

[Michael Weatherhead]

I see your point, but shouldn't the Scots selling the stuff with a massive mark up from Pakistan etc be encouraged to buy local and not be so greedy, this would benefit everybody in the long run. Kit

I can give an example of a US-based kilt maker, who sells a great product, for a fairly low price. I'm referring to Sportkilt.com. Granted, they don't make traditional wool kilts, but to me, their product is very well made, and costs a fraction of the traditional kilt. I wanted one like this (as opposed to wool) because I live in the Arizona desert. My kilt came with sewn-in pleats, interior velcro, belt loops, pockets, leather straps. Paid around $120. You can order it in various lengths, waist sizes. They carry a good number of tartans, and are expanding. As I look up footage of highland games, I see many of the athletes wearing this product. If you receive it, and it doesn't fit right, you can send it back, and they'll do the alterations. I too don't want to pay more money than needed, and I am a firm believer in competition, in the marketplace. If a company makes a good product, at an affordable price, the market will determine if it sells or not. And so far, business is good for Sportkilt.com Photo is of me at halloween, in my sportkilt.

[terry m]

My wife and family ordered my kilt and accessories from buyakilt.com in Scotland and I must admit we got excellent value for money, excellent advice and service. It was ordered on a Wednesday morning and was delivered to the door early afternoon the next day. The quality of the items is excellent.

[Roadkill]

I ordered one from clanncelt.co.uk. Highland Inspirations. I love the Spirit of the Celts tartan! It came from Scotland and I had it in 4 days at a great cost. I love this kilt! The colors are great, feels very well made, and is very heavy. I am very happy with it for the cost. My only issue is the leather straps seem a little thin, but not a big deal to me. Later I contacted them directly about flashes and a bow tie. The cost and shipping price was so good I ordered a fly plaid as well.

[S Mitchell]

It may be a stretch. But it seems to me, that the more worldwide interest that is generated, in kilts, tartans, and in Scotland in general, Scotland, and its people should benefit from it. Many Americans have an interest in these things, for various reasons. One chief reason is that their ancestors are from Scotland. So the more we help make others aware of Scotland, kilts, etc etc, I would think that the country of Scotland would stand to gain, ie, more tourists, more money spent, help boost their economy...

I don't know. I think it's perfectly valid to share your enthusiasm and interests. Some folks will be interested and will maybe spend their money, others will be interested but won't ever spend a dime, others really won't be interested.

I don't think it's necessary, though, to link your passion with the notion of providing economic benefit to Scotland. To me, the idea feels somewhat condescending; although, I don't believe you feel that way or intend it as such. I know you've lived in Scotland (I never have) so I know you have a fuller understanding of their culture.

From what I've seen on this board, Americans, and others, mostly only glean what the tourist trade pushes - an overly romanticized, simplified view of Scottish culture, a view met with growing antipathy in Scotland. I don't know that you'd be reinforcing that image. I'm sure you can offer a fuller context, but, for many folks, it's all they take away.

For us, it'd be as if America were known only for chili beans with cornbread, ten gallon hats, boots, spurs, chaps, and lassos and then had to watch as tourists of the world consumed garish, cheaply made approximations of genuine old west garb complete with sherif stars and cavalry swords and then had to endure the same tourists wearing those outfits at all the landmark, American destinations while telling any American they met the long history of their ten-times removed second cousins who immigrated to America in the early 1800's. We'd maybe grow weary of it.

I don't mean to be a wet blanket. I don't feel there's anything wrong with your love of Scottish culture or with sharing it. I just think it's important not to lose the forest for the trees.

[RectaPete]

I've seen many arguments about cheap foreign-made kilts and I'd like to give my two cents worth:

As a relatively poor person, I don't have the privilege of just going out and ordering a full wool kilt in my tartan. I've seen plenty of "cheap" kilts which look good. Even though the garment was made in Pakistan or China, people still recognise it as traditionally Scottish (or Irish). While I do prefer to buy Scottish, my budget at the moment wouldn't allow me to wear a Scottish-woven kilt. For some people, foreign-made kilts are the only option.

[thecompaqguy]

I've seen many arguments about cheap foreign-made kilts and I'd like to give my two cents worth:

As a relatively poor person, I don't have the privilege of just going out and ordering a full wool kilt in my tartan. I've seen plenty of "cheap" kilts which look good. Even though the garment was made in Pakistan or China, people still recognise it as traditionally Scottish (or Irish). While I do prefer to buy Scottish, my budget at the moment wouldn't allow me to wear a Scottish-woven kilt. For some people, foreign-made kilts are the only option.

Gold Brothers t/a The Scotland Kilt Company / Heritage of Scotland do some decent kilts in PV (Polyviscose) which are ideal for a starter / cheap kilt from £45 plus postage. I bought a Hamilton Grey tartan from them this week.

here's a picture



If that doesn't float your boat, there's loads of second hand or ex hire kilts doing the rounds on ebay for up to £99 if budgets are an issue. I couldn't bring myself to spend over £300 on a kilt, but if it is quality, sometimes I would spend if it's a tartan I've been after and it's a good investment

[RectaPete]

Gold Brothers t/a The Scotland Kilt Company / Heritage of Scotland do some decent kilts in PV (Polyviscose) which are ideal for a starter / cheap kilt from £45 plus postage. I bought a Hamilton Grey tartan from them this week.

here's a picture



If that doesn't float your boat, there's loads of second hand or ex hire kilts doing the rounds on ebay for up to £99 if budgets are an issue. I couldn't bring myself to spend over £300 on a kilt, but if it is quality, sometimes I would spend if it's a tartan I've been after and it's a good investment

I love the Gold Brothers 8 yarders and definitely will be getting one at some point! They look great dressed down AND up as you so demonstrate

[tundramanq]

Regarding country of origin, almost all modern countries have labeling laws that require a label to state the country where a finished item is made for all goods sold in the buyers country.
The part that falls through the cracks is that the parts and pieces (fabric etc.) of the finished item can come from anywhere and the legal label is not required to show it. Even a label stating: "100% Made in Scotland" fall in this crack.
As previously stated, knowing the seller/maker is the only assurance.
Oral promises have little standing in courts of law.

[Mikilt]

Regarding country of origin, almost all modern countries have labeling laws that require a label to state the country where a finished item is made for all goods sold in the buyers country.
The part that falls through the cracks is that the parts and pieces (fabric etc.) of the finished item can come from anywhere and the legal label is not required to show it. Even a label stating: "100% Made in Scotland" fall in this crack.
As previously stated, knowing the seller/maker is the only assurance.
Oral promises have little standing in courts of law.

I reserve the right to be wrong about this...

It's my understanding that the sheep from which the wool comes are in New Zealand. The wool is spun elsewhere and dyed still elsewhere before making it to a Scottish weaver. So, "woven in Scotland" is probably as close as you'll get to 100%.

What gets me are the labels that read "Designed in Scotland".

[tundramanq]

New Mexico has many American Indian tribes and pueblos around the state. It is real common at arts and crafts shows and flea markets to find the label "Indian made". It really means made in India. The authentic items are almost always signed by the artist, jeweler or craftsman that made it.

Just another "weasel word" to add to the list.