Interest in kilts/Scottish things, should benefit Scotland, and UK

[Michael Weatherhead]

It may be a stretch. But it seems to me, that the more worldwide interest that is generated, in kilts, tartans, and in Scotland in general, Scotland, and its people should benefit from it. Many Americans have an interest in these things, for various reasons. One chief reason is that their ancestors are from Scotland. So the more we help make others aware of Scotland, kilts, etc etc, I would think that the country of Scotland would stand to gain, ie, more tourists, more money spent, help boost their economy. An I enjoy clay target shooting. My wife, daughters, and I shoot several times a year, and always invite their friends, and ours to join us. I once read an magazine article, that encouraged us to pass this hobby down to our families, and to invite others to try it. Otherwise, how do we expect the sport to carry on? I think the same could be said, about kilts, Scottish heritage, etc. We should freely share our interest with others. Not hide it , nor make it an exclusive club, that only certain people can join. Is this making sense? Or is it crazy talk? I love sharing things that interest me, with others.

[Tarheel]

As a professed collector of trivia, I am able to pass on tidbits about Scotland, kilting, history and ancestry that hopefully will draw someone else's interest (as Michael suggests) to help in the progress and future of Scotland. Grass root ideas lead to baby steps toward a larger goal.

[OC Richard]

Sad to me that Scotland isn't benefiting financially as much as she should, or could, from the increasing interest around the world in the kilt.

Go up and down the Royal Mile and 90% of the stuff sold is made in Pakistan. Tourists come from all over the world to buy Scottish goods and they go home, unwittingly, with Pakistani stuff. In my opinion there should be a law protecting Scottish makers, along the lines of the EU's laws protecting cheese, wine, etc.

At the very least Scotland could come up with a Made In Scotland logo and mount an advertising campaign to make the public aware, and encourage shoppers to look for goods so marked.

Yes Scottish culture is getting more worldwide exposure, but as the old musician's adage goes, "you can't eat exposure".

[Mathew MacKillop]

At the very least Scotland could come up with a Made In Scotland logo and mount an advertising campaign to make the public aware, and encourage shoppers to look for goods so marked.

Here in Quebec, we do similar things. I've noticed it particularly with cheese, and it has encouraged me to buy and try more local varieties than imported ones. So far as I can tell, those stickers placed on products produced locally have done a good job of informing those who would otherwise just buy whatever was cheep and plentiful. I would love to see this sort of thing implemented in Scotland so as to help both tourists and uninformed locals as to exactly where there money is going!

[MacEanruig]

Sad to me that Scotland isn't benefiting financially as much as she should, or could, from the increasing interest around the world in the kilt.

Go up and down the Royal Mile and 90% of the stuff sold is made in Pakistan. Tourists come from all over the world to buy Scottish goods and they go home, unwittingly, with Pakistani stuff. In my opinion there should be a law protecting Scottish makers, along the lines of the EU's laws protecting cheese, wine, etc.

At the very least Scotland could come up with a Made In Scotland logo and mount an advertising campaign to make the public aware, and encourage shoppers to look for goods so marked.

Yes Scottish culture is getting more worldwide exposure, but as the old musician's adage goes, "you can't eat exposure".

I like the Made In Scotland logos idea, but I wonder who would govern the standards.

[Finistere]

Sad to me that Scotland isn't benefiting financially as much as she should, or could, from the increasing interest around the world in the kilt.

Go up and down the Royal Mile and 90% of the stuff sold is made in Pakistan. Tourists come from all over the world to buy Scottish goods and they go home, unwittingly, with Pakistani stuff. In my opinion there should be a law protecting Scottish makers, along the lines of the EU's laws protecting cheese, wine, etc.

At the very least Scotland could come up with a Made In Scotland logo and mount an advertising campaign to make the public aware, and encourage shoppers to look for goods so marked.

Yes Scottish culture is getting more worldwide exposure, but as the old musician's adage goes, "you can't eat exposure".

I see your point, but shouldn't the Scots selling the stuff with a massive mark up from Pakistan etc be encouraged to buy local and not be so greedy, this would benefit everybody in the long run. Kit

[terry m]

The problem with being a tourist in Scotland, and elsewhere in the uk like Cornwall or London for example is , stuff ain't cheap to buy. Before you think about whether stuff is manufactured locally or abroad. If you are touring with even a modest sized family you can look at parting with a three figure sum of cash just to supply everyone with a souvenir T shirt.
Then another £20 or £ 30 for a simple lunch.
Last time I was in Scotland one shop was asking nearly twenty pounds for a coffee mug with a clan crest on it or similar......really?????
It is a common complaint in the uk in tourist areas that business is not good. Well I wonder why. I think local economies would benefit more if they reduced prices even just a little.

[Michael Weatherhead]

I see your point, but shouldn't the Scots selling the stuff with a massive mark up from Pakistan etc be encouraged to buy local and not be so greedy, this would benefit everybody in the long run. Kit

I can give an example of a US-based kilt maker, who sells a great product, for a fairly low price. I'm referring to Sportkilt.com. Granted, they don't make traditional wool kilts, but to me, their product is very well made, and costs a fraction of the traditional kilt. I wanted one like this (as opposed to wool) because I live in the Arizona desert. My kilt came with sewn-in pleats, interior velcro, belt loops, pockets, leather straps. Paid around $120. You can order it in various lengths, waist sizes. They carry a good number of tartans, and are expanding. As I look up footage of highland games, I see many of the athletes wearing this product. If you receive it, and it doesn't fit right, you can send it back, and they'll do the alterations. I too don't want to pay more money than needed, and I am a firm believer in competition, in the marketplace. If a company makes a good product, at an affordable price, the market will determine if it sells or not. And so far, business is good for Sportkilt.com Photo is of me at halloween, in my sportkilt.

[terry m]

My wife and family ordered my kilt and accessories from buyakilt.com in Scotland and I must admit we got excellent value for money, excellent advice and service. It was ordered on a Wednesday morning and was delivered to the door early afternoon the next day. The quality of the items is excellent.

[ScottishStuart]

Go up and down the Royal Mile and 90% of the stuff sold is made in Pakistan. Tourists come from all over the world to buy Scottish goods and they go home, unwittingly, with Pakistani stuff. In my opinion there should be a law protecting Scottish makers, along the lines of the EU's laws protecting cheese, wine, etc.

At the very least Scotland could come up with a Made In Scotland logo and mount an advertising campaign to make the public aware, and encourage shoppers to look for goods so marked.

I agree with OC Richard - really hit the nail on the head.

This short documentary video from a few years past highlights this point well: https://vimeo.com/19479495 (Apologies for some of the industrial language! )

It shows the struggle of one of our sporran suppliers with the increase of cheap products from overseas. These imports are effecting the whole highlandwear industry, from Kiltmakers and Sporran makers to Kilt accessories and Bagpipes.