Hands Aff Oor Kilts!

**Jock Scot** · 29th February 08, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Monkey@Arms

Since the problem is really about the perception of unfair competition in Scotland (and even more narrowly to the retail stores in Edinburgh) I don't understand why they just don't pursue truth in labeling laws about country of origin etc., as opposed to EU regulation.

Frankly I think the whisky or cheese analogies are poor ones, as one can argue that in some food products the place of manufacture is actually significant as to its flavor and characteristics, where as two kilts sewn by the same individual doesn't differ depending on where that individual is sitting.

Best regards,

Jake

Taking your "person sewing the two kilts" and expanding it a bit.It would make one heck of a differance if one kilt was made from a cloth of ,say any of the major cloth makers and a kilt made from "Harris" tweed.There is an act of Parliament protecting "Harris Tweed".Protection,right or wrong,already exists in the Scottish cloth world.

**Clockwork John** · 29th February 08, 11:56 AM

Most clothing sold in the US is labeled with:
1. Material type
2. Country of production

Would not this type of labeling solve the problem without offending or insulting non-scots kiltmakers?

eg. "100% Scottish Wool, made in Scotland" or "100% Scottish Wool, made in USA" or "100% Acrylic, made in Pakistan"

With that sort of label, people would know exactly what they are getting, and the "traditionalists" could still claim that theirs are "authentic."

**macwilkin** · 29th February 08, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Crusty

Most clothing sold in the US is labeled with:
1. Material type
2. Country of production

Would not this type of labeling solve the problem without offending or insulting non-scots kiltmakers?

eg. "100% Scottish Wool, made in Scotland" or "100% Scottish Wool, made in USA" or "100% Acrylic, made in Pakistan"

With that sort of label, people would know exactly what they are getting, and the "traditionalists" could still claim that theirs are "authentic."

Matt Newsome already does this.

T.

**McClef** · 29th February 08, 12:12 PM

Full marks to those who give accurate information on their labels.

Trouble is we know that many do not and as long as such information is voluntary they will keep on using misleading stuff. The "good guys" already proudly proclaim such information, others need to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into conformity.

Policing protections throughout the whole world is not easy especially when not all governments have subscribed to the concept of international property and copyrights. But at least a few loopholes could be plugged in those that do.

How much of the world's Cheddar cheese is made in Cheddar?

**Tattoo Bradley** · 29th February 08, 12:16 PM

HAHA

I do understand the intent of Howie. I really do. But, these guidelines are a bit silly.

Does the person sewing the kilt have to be a Scottish Citizen? What if Barb were on vacation in Scotland and picked up some cloth in Edinburgh and sewed a complete kilt in her Edinburgh hotel room at night? So, that kilt would then be a "Scottish Kilt"? But, the hundreds of others she'd previously made are different? Or what about the fact that Kathy Lare was trained to make kilts in Scotland by a Scot (by invitation at that.) Read her awards and qualifications here. Can you still say the likes of her deserve to be lumped with the crap peddlers??

And I couldn't agree more that the Whiskey/Whisky/Cheese analogies are "apples and oranges." Bourbon and Scotch are made from different ingredients. So, of course you would never call one the other or vice versa.

**macwilkin** · 29th February 08, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by Tattoo Bradley

HAHA

I do understand the intent of Howie. I really do. But, these guidelines are a bit silly.

Does the person sewing the kilt have to be a Scottish Citizen? What if Barb were on vacation in Scotland and picked up some cloth in Edinburgh and sewed a complete kilt in her Edinburgh hotel room at night? So, that kilt would then be a "Scottish Kilt"? But, the hundreds of others she'd previously made are different? Or what about the fact that Kathy Lare was trained to make kilts in Scotland but a Scot (by invitation at that.) Read her awards and qualifications here. Can you still say the likes of her deserve to be lumped with the crap peddlers??

And I couldn't agree more that the Whiskey/Whisky/Cheese analogies are "apples and oranges." Bourbon and Scotch are made from different ingredients. So, of course you would never call one the other or vice versa.

Spot on.

T.

**auld argonian** · 29th February 08, 12:28 PM

Good Lord! Next you're going to tell me that they're selling Chicago style pizza in new York!

Best

AA

**Standard** · 29th February 08, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by Tattoo Bradley

Does the person sewing the kilt have to be a Scottish Citizen? What if Barb were on vacation in Scotland and picked up some cloth in Edinburgh and sewed a complete kilt in her Edinburgh hotel room at night? So, that kilt would then be a "Scottish Kilt"? But, the hundreds of others she'd previously made are different? Or what about the fact that Kathy Lare was trained to make kilts in Scotland by a Scot (by invitation at that.) Read her awards and qualifications here. Can you still say the likes of her deserve to be lumped with the crap peddlers??

You bring up some valid points IMHO. Does the simple fact of the location make it a "Scottish Kilt"? I think that it has a lot more to do with the skill and level of care that goes into the kilt than the location in which it was manufactured. Also, are kilts which are not 100% hand sewn anyl ess of a quality kilt than those which are completely hand sewn? I'll agree that 100% machine sewn can't match hand stiching, but at what percentage of the stiching being done by hand vs. machine would the line be drawn?

I think that this whole issue sounds like someone got his nose bent out of shape by people that don't know any better buying cheaper products than his. For many the only chance to own a kilt is to start out inexpensively, with the wish to someday own better. Truth in labeling would be a step in the right direction. Anyhoo, just my American two cents worth on the issue.

**McClef** · 29th February 08, 04:28 PM

By applying his "hand sewn" criteria Howie is already alienating those who should be his natural allies.

My Hector Russell (just a little further up the High St on the Royal Mile) Hunting Robertson is machine sewn, so I paid less for it. But it was machine sewn and woven from 100% wool in Scotland and is still excellent quality. Yet, according to Howie, that would not qualify to be called a Scottish Kilt!

I have to wonder if Howie has thought it through properly or consulted other quality establishments about the criteria or whether Redshank has a point.

**Pour1Malt** · 1st March 08, 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by Tattoo Bradley

And I couldn't agree more that the Whiskey/Whisky/Cheese analogies are "apples and oranges." Bourbon and Scotch are made from different ingredients. So, of course you would never call one the other or vice versa.

"Bourbon and Scotch are made from different ingredients. "

this is exactly whit Howie is talkin' aboot!

the plastic crap kilts arr NOT made from the same ingredients!

they shuidnae bae called Scottish Kilts...