What Is ‘Made in Scotland’ Worth?

[Janner52]

Up to a point in time, the only kilts and associated attire, were those made by qualified kiltmakers using Scottish woven tartan. There was no other choice. Anyone requiring a kilt would either have to save up, buy second hand or inherit. Professionally made kilts last for years so quality items would have been available.Prior to the 60s when we still had an army of reasonable size there seemed to be an abundance of regimental kilts to keep the scout movement and numerous pipe bands going. I have a band issue 1947 Seaforth kilt which apart from some dodgy alterations, is in really good condition.

Then along comes the kilt hire industry which seems to thrive on inventing new tartans in unlikely colours to keep interest going.

This is accompanied by the cheap garment producers who clearly are not interested in quality, only in mass production and with no concern about the heritage craftspeople who make the real garment.

It seems to me that the custom of men and boys wearing kilts for daily activities died out in the 70s with the advent of various fashion trends for youngsters. Do feel free to correct me on this.

Jumping forward to the present, kilt wearing seems to have become a cool thing to do for weddings, supporting Scottish football and rugby and formal events.

As an example of the way things have changed, anyone attending the College of Piping in Glasgow in the 70s would have seen the teachers wearing the kilt. I have seen photos of pipe bands boarding an aircraft for a foreign tour, all wearing kilts.