The Woolenmill...anyone ever?

[Phil]

I was in the shop a few weeks ago. It appears to have changed ownership since the last time I was in it and they were no longer carrying such an extensive range of kilt-related goodies. I have no idea who the owners are other than that I had my suspicions they may possibly have links to the Gold Bros mentioned elsewhere on this site. Most of the stock they carry is rugs, scarves that kind of thing. They looked at me pretty blankly when I asked if they sold Balmorals.

[Hamish]

I was in the shop a few weeks ago. It appears to have changed ownership since the last time I was in it and they were no longer carrying such an extensive range of kilt-related goodies. I have no idea who the owners are other than that I had my suspicions they may possibly have links to the Gold Bros mentioned elsewhere on this site. Most of the stock they carry is rugs, scarves that kind of thing. They looked at me pretty blankly when I asked if they sold Balmorals.

Phil, that was precisely the impression I gained when in there several years ago but Trefor assured us that they had a very good Highland dress-orientated area at the back of the shop. On the strength of his comments, I have been keeping an occasional eye on their website and have, at last, succumbed to the temptation of ordering a day to day 'knock-about' kilt from them - the MacMillan. I placed my order two weeks ago and quickly received a 'phone call from them advising me that my size was currently out of stock. They could make one for me at no extra charge but it would be the end of October before it would be ready. To this I agreed, but I wonder if I am in fact just waiting for a new batch of stock to come in!!

As far as a connection with the Gold Brothers is concerned: I do not think so. The Woollen Mill shop belongs to Marchbrae Clothing whose less expensive kilts are made in Scotland from 100% wool.

Additionally, they have no connection with the nation-wide chain of High Street shops trading as The Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

Take care,
Ham.

[Phil]

They did have quite a good highlandwear section and I have bought one or two things there in the past. The reason I thought it had changed hands is that all the staff now obviously hail from the sub-continent. They did seem a cut above the general run of Gold Bros staff and I didn't get the impression there was any of the cheap and nasty tat those people are selling.

[Stewart Rendall]

The reason I thought it had changed hands is that all the staff now obviously hail from the sub-continent.

I made kilts for the Woolen Mill many years back. They still have the same (Indian) owners they have always done. Absolutely nothing to do with the Gold Bros. They would be upset at the mere suggestion I'm sure.
Yes, their kilts are ordered from another (Scottish) supplier, but I don't believe they sell any tat.
They're one of the decent, long established quality companies in Edinburgh.

Hope that clears it up.