|
-
13th March 07, 10:23 AM
#7
Mt first choice would be:
Geoffrey (Tailor) Ltd.,
57/59 High Street,
The Royal Mile,
Edinburgh (www.geoffreykilts.co.uk)
and, if you are looking for something a little more contemporary:
'21st Century Kilts' at the same address (www.21stcenturykilts.co.uk)
Then there are the other reputable kiltmakers already mentioned: the independent Kinloch Anderson Ltd., who are out in Leith and are kiltmakers to our Royal Family (www.kinlochanderson.com); and Hector Russell Ltd. at 95 Princes Street, Edinburgh (with a smaller branch on The Royal Mile). The latter is no longer an independent company having been taken over by the national 'High Street' chain, The Edinburgh Woollen Mill who closed some of its branches. Since when, but not because of, I've had no personal contact with them.
Here, in no particular order, are a few comments I have regarding some of the other named kiltmakers:
Firstly, Chef mentions 'John Morrison'. Well, John Morrison was a good kiltmaker but he was bought out by the notorious Gold Brothers who own about six tourist-trap shops on and around The Royal Mile - they have retained his name over the shop-front, however. I personally would not patronise them - but that's just me!
Chef also says that he doubts that the three kiltmakers he lists employ "artisans" and that their kilts are hand-sewn on an "assembly line"! OK, perhaps he knows a lot more than I do about this, but I can vouch for the Geoffrey (Tailor) Ltd. set-up. At the end of this week I will be collecting my 24th kilt from this House. Several times I have visited their workrooms above the shop and know several of their in-house kiltmakers who make my kilts. Their bespoke kilts are tailored on the premises, and one kiltmaker sees the process through from start to finish. Their hire/rental kilts (a large part of their business) are sewn either upstairs or by contracted kiltmakers working in their own homes.
McClef recommends The Celtic Craft Centre. I do not personally know their kilts but I have visited their shop in Paisley Close off The Royal Mile on many occasions, where they sell only the highest quality accessories. I understand that this Company is, or was, American owned. Their HQ was at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco for many years, but that address is no longer listed and they now show one in Palm Springs CA, which I visited last October and which did not impress me at all!
Finally, GG recommends The Woollen Mill in The High Street. I do not think there is any connection here with The Edinburgh Woollen Mill I mention above, but their might be! Again, I have no personal knowledge of the quality of their kilts, but they are not primarily a kiltmakers. Unless they have reorganised in the past two years (when I was last in their shop) they have a rather small area at the back devoted to tartan wear whilst the main area is given over to woollen and cashmere sweaters, scarves, etc.
There are a number of small kilt-hire shops around the Capital, Kerry, and some might offer kilt sales, but those we have so far suggested are tried and tested. I would stick with those if I were you.
My apologies if this is over-long but I wanted to expand a little on what our kilted brethren have said.
[B][I][U]No. of Kilts[/U][/I][/B][I]:[/I] 102.[I] [B]"[U][B]Title[/B]"[/U][/B][/I]: Lord Hamish Bicknell, Laird of Lochaber / [B][U][I]Life Member:[/I][/U][/B] The Scottish Tartans Authority / [B][U][I]Life Member:[/I][/U][/B] The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society / [U][I][B]Member:[/B][/I][/U] The Ardbeg Committee / [I][B][U]My NEW Photo Album[/U]: [/B][/I][COLOR=purple]Sadly, and with great regret, it seems my extensive and comprehensive album may now have been lost forever![/COLOR]/
-
Similar Threads
-
By orangehaggis in forum Professional Kiltmakers Hints and Tips
Replies: 7
Last Post: 3rd December 06, 07:08 PM
-
By L & M kiltmakers of scot in forum Kilt Advice
Replies: 0
Last Post: 14th October 05, 03:28 PM
-
By Doc Hudson in forum General Kilt Talk
Replies: 10
Last Post: 20th February 05, 10:14 AM
-
By Blu (Ontario) in forum General Kilt Talk
Replies: 9
Last Post: 14th February 05, 09:22 AM
-
By Bryndian_Dhai in forum Professional Kiltmakers Hints and Tips
Replies: 32
Last Post: 9th November 04, 10:24 AM
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
|
Bookmarks