FYI: Gordon nicholson ex-hire sale

**scratchy** · 9th February 25, 08:45 AM

Just ordered a Holyrood tweed jacket and vest. This might be my first international order; hope it goes well.

https://nicolsonkiltmakers.com/colle...ts-and-jackets

**jsrnephdoc** · 13th February 25, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by scratchy

Just ordered a Holyrood tweed jacket and vest. This might be my first international order; hope it goes well.

Let us know. Admittedly, the "price of admission" for several of those items may itself justify some risk taking, but my own more conservative approach would be to make such purchases of used clothing at Highland Games or similar events where I could eyeball them and even try them on. I did notice one thing: if you're in the market for Trews, the consistent pricing for them suggests they've had gentle lives (meaning not much use) in the "hire" marketplace.

One SURPRISE for me came while looking through those trews (my son has a pair in Robertson Red dark, and they look great on him, but I think would just advise others to choose me last in a pick-up basketball game).

A few years ago, several Scottish National Health Service nurses participated in the design of a charitable fund-raising tartan, the "Nursing Tartan" one element of the design being that it contain the colors of the National Health Service uniforms they wore. One provision of its use (ALL of which was to be through Gordon Nicolson's shop) was that because there was to be a charitable contribution included in every one of the limited range of products on offer, the fabric could not be sold uncommited to one of those specific uses, meaning, for example, that it could not be used for kilts (OR trews). Apparently, that's not ACTUALLY the case. And, I think that anyone fond of the Princess Diana tartan would also be fond of this; it has a similar pleasing palette of pastels. It was woven by Lochcarron, and I've heard rumors that more fabric is on the way. MY spouse would LOVE a Nursing Tartan ladies kilt, because she is SO proud of her years as a hospital RN in the US (and because we both agree that it's beautiful).

**Tomo** · 14th February 25, 05:28 AM

One of the better outfitters in Edinburgh - I always pop in when I am in town

**CBH** · 14th February 25, 10:59 AM

And they even do pockets

https://nicolsonkiltmakers.com/products/kilt-pockets

I just can't imagine anyone wanting those hideous things visible on their kilt though !!

**scratchy** · 15th February 25, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by jsrnephdoc

my own more conservative approach would be to make such purchases of used clothing at Highland Games or similar events where I could eyeball them and even try them on.

That would have been my preferred approach as well, but since the downturn of 2008ish and then covid, the vendors as well as Games have thinned horrifically. All the Games around me involve a long drive, and the last few I've attended I felt weren't worth the ride anymore.

Though I would like to go to Tucson someday.

Regarding my order, I got the confirmation and charges quickly, but still haven't received a shipping notification. I saw(and I'm puzzled by)their statement that in stock items may take two weeks to ship? Anyone have insight why that is?

**OC Richard** · 15th February 25, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by scratchy

I would like to go to Tucson someday.

I would have been at the Phoenix Games today, but they were cancelled.

And here in California our San Diego Games have been cancelled too.

It's sad.

**scratchy** · 15th February 25, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

I would have been at the Phoenix Games today, but they were cancelled.

I had no idea they were today(car issues forbid it anyway). Just thought they were usually in early March.

**OC Richard** · 16th February 25, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by scratchy

I had no idea they were today(car issues forbid it anyway). Just thought they were usually in early March.

This year was going to be a new venue as well, they just couldn't make it happen.

**SF Jeff** · 19th February 25, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

I would have been at the Phoenix Games today, but they were cancelled.

And here in California our San Diego Games have been cancelled too.

It's sad.

Had no idea about Vista. I was on their website about 3 months ago looking at the piping school and there was no mention of the games being cancelled. I've been a few times but it was never on my "must do" list. Logistically a pain with the parking and shuttle and all. Hopefully it's temporary and they can find a new site for next year.

**scratchy** · 22nd June 25, 02:59 PM

Taken far too long to update(work, health, life, etc), and I'm going off fuzzy memories.

The order took almost a month to the day of order to receiving. Was probably folded nicely when packaged(just placed in a box), but considering distance, not bad. Minimal communication, all messages seemed to be of a 'form' type. Think I gave them an extra few days after the projected ship date before I sent an inquiry. Got back a canned "We're busy fulfilling customer orders and busy rental season, contact soon" type response. Day or two later I got the shipping notification and tracking number. Almost a week later it was at my door.

While I was waiting, I began getting the feeling that they'd ship a 52L jacket with a 52R vest, which is what happened. Given the price, shipping hassel and 'all sales final', I just sighed in disappointment, and decided against fussing. The jacket fits well, the vest maybe a little short. There's no one around to take a photo and I lack a suitable mirror for DIY. I'll try to take photos of the fabric at least, and the one or two labels on them.