What Is ‘Made in Scotland’ Worth?

[kiltedsawyer]

Every item of Highland dress that is made outside Scotland, or made from non-traditional materials, and bought on cost, is another nail in the coffin of Scottish makers. Every such purchase is seen as a loss to Scotland and its culture, and it is difficult to see how the purchaser can take pride it what they have bought.

I am not sure that I can agree with you here. Surely the purchase of a Nissan Sentra has never cut into the sales for Rolls Royce. I fully understand and have practiced the concept of saving with the intent to be able to purchase better quality igoods. I also fully share your lament at seeing long standing mills and artisans going out of business, but I am not sure that cheap foreign made goods are completely to blame. I have owned a Nissan Sentra and will never own a Rolls Royce. Clearly this comparison is exagerated, (although here in the states, Highland dress will never be seen as a necessity,) but with out an entry level into the market, Highland dress will seem out of reach for most. Yes, you could rent but the for-hire shops pedal the same low-end goods we see on e-bay and it is likely most of their customers requiring Highland dress in order to be part of a wedding ceremony, would never purchase a kilt anyway. To be clear, I am not promoting cheap third world products from on-line retailers whose marketing is tantamount to fraud at best. Lighter weight, lesser yardage, top sewn PV kilts may be the answer, however education through forums like X-Marks may be the best remedy, but sadly even this seems to be in decline. Nothing lasts forever.

Cheers,

David