I only made my first post yesterday, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the response - thanks for all the kind words of welcome..!

Now here's a thing. I happened to have business yesterday in Inverness, which was my first time in the city for almost two years - think of Covid-19 and lockdown for reasons why...

I was shocked to see that the iconic Hector Russell has died from Covid - or so it seems. Coming under the Edinburgh Woollen Mills' umbrella, a company that a few month's ago announced that it was failing and so forcing the closure of shops around the UK, the loss of (up to 14,000 jobs as reported by one source) it was inevitable that the Highland outfitting division might be expected to feel the pain, too.

But Hector Russell had been virtually the only division of the group that seemed to be profitable, according to the redeployed staff I spoke to. It should not be forgotten that Hector Russell had taken of the Royal-Warrant bearing Romanes and Patterson many years ago, and had long been a land-mark retailer on Princes Street, Edinburgh.

It now seems the whole kilt-making and Highland dress element of the EWM business is gone for good, and it is clear to see the asset-strippers have been hard at work - the mood of the staff and their willingness to let it be known ought to be a concern for the management!

So it seems that yet another of the greats in Highland outfitters is no more. What sad times we now live in... But if tartan tat, shortbread and Nessie soft-toys are your thing, you're in luck, as that seems to have filled Hector Russell's place.

But it is not all doom and gloom. Ben Wyvis Kilts have moved from their former site to a double fronted outlet in the centre of town, and a smart shop it is, too. If I were still in the process of getting kitted out, they could well be my first port of call. So note that name...