How the traditional kilt shop experience is evolving

July 12, 2023

The kilt has been a part of Scottish identity for centuries, first as the feileadh-mór or great kilt and later as the fèileadh beag, which is the version we know today. The great kilt was not much more than a length of material wrapped around the waist with the excess material draped over the shoulder. However, as the kilt evolved into the fèileadh beag or little kilt, the construction of the kilt became more intricate. After the Dress Act of 1746 was repealed in 1782, demand for high-quality traditional highlandwear grew, not just in the rural highlands, but also in the modern...

When were kilts invented?

May 17, 2023

The relationship between Scotland and its kilts goes back many centuries, however, the date in which kilts were first invented, is rather unknown. The first documented mention of the féileadh-mór (or great kilt) can be found in books dating back to the 1500’s. As you can imagine, the great kilts' popularity would have been quite prevalent to have been worthy of documentation at that time. So it’s safe to say that the great kilt would have been invented sometime earlier. It’s thought that once sheep became readily available across Scotland that their wool would have been used to weave cloth....

How To Wear a Kilt Casually

April 19, 2023

Traditional highlandwear outfits are most commonly worn to formal events like weddings and other black tie events. The swing of the pleats, the different colours of tartan and all the accessories make for a much more interesting outfit than a plain suit. While it’s ultimately down to personal preference, as a rule of thumb, a Prince Charlie or Argyll jacket and waistcoat are worn to the most formal occasions. These outfits are also accessorised with a dress sporran. For slightly less formal occasions, tweed jackets and semi-dress sporrans are more appropriate. This doesn’t mean that a tweed jacket can’t be...

What is tartan?

February 22, 2023

Tartan in its simplest definition refers to a pattern in cloth that consists of interconnected lines and colours that run the length and breadth of the material. Tartan has been present in Scotland since the 3rd century and today, tartan holds great significance to Scotland's culture as well as its history. During the height of Scottish highland clan society, tartan held distinct meaning to each clan and by the 18th century, tartan clothing was seen to be indistinguishable from highland dress. So much so that after the Battle of Culloden, where the Jacobites lost their final battle against the British...

Are Kilts Warm?

February 08, 2023

During this time of the year, when the days start to get a little longer, our minds start to drift toward thinking about our summer plans. Unfortunately, these thoughts are usually interrupted when we walk outside and realise that the current temperature is only barely above freezing. While we still have a long way to go before its t-shirt weather in Scotland, it got us thinking about the warmth of a kilt. Whether you are wearing a kilt in the middle of winter or the height of summer, there isn’t a whole lot of difference in the level of warmth...

How is a kilt worn?

October 28, 2022

The kilt is a garment steeped in Scottish history and culture. A simple length of tartan that has been expertly crafted into something iconic, using centuries-old techniques. Kilts are a common sight at Scottish occasions and while worn less in other countries, they are still very well-known and recognised around the world. It’s the kilt’s worldwide popularity that sees people dawn their first kilt and for that reason, we feel it’s our duty to help these new kilt wearers by passing on as much knowledge as we can.

A Decadent Day with Black Rabbit Projects

October 11, 2022

This September, a fantasy wedding came to life at the Marine Troon Hotel, courtesy of Black Rabbit Projects. We were so thrilled to be a part of the memorable collaboration with talented wedding suppliers across Scotland.

Elizabeth & Jimmy's Big Day

June 15, 2022

Another beautiful couple has graciously offered to share their wedding story with all us. Elizabeth & Jimmy (quite literally) tied the knot in a Castle in Ireland. Jimmy chose to wear Silver Mist with a Glen Orchy tweed jacket. 

How far in advance should I hire a kilt?

June 01, 2022

Kilts have been worn in Scotland for centuries. First, as the Feileadh Mòr or great kilt and worn only by highlanders and then as the kilt we know today, from the around late 17th century. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the kilt had its great revival and its popularity soared. From this period onwards, kilts became more and more common, not as everyday wear but worn at special occasions. That popularity hasn’t slowed down, quite the opposite has happened and kilts today are arguably more in demand than in any other period of history. At least in Scotland,...

How to Care For Your Kilt

May 13, 2022

A MacGregor and MacDuff a kilt can last for generations thanks to the high-quality wool and expert craftsmanship that goes into making each of them. However, a kilt isn’t like a pair of jeans or your favourite shirt, it needs to be stored and looked after properly for it to last long enough to be passed down.

Lou and Shaf’s Big Day

April 27, 2022

There’s nothing better than hearing the stories of our customer's special day, and as weddings are a big part of what we do, we get to hear a lot of them! While the stories themselves are brilliant, we’ve noticed that these brides and grooms actually hold a lot of great advice for other people who are still on their wedding journey.