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A popular garment and a classy choice for formal events, kilts are a great addition to any wardrobe. Furthermore, with the right care and attention, 100% wool kilts are built to last. Here are a few tips to keep your kilt in tip top shape: 1. Hang up your kilt. The best way to store your kilt is to hang it up in a generous space in your closet or wardrobe so it can hang naturally. Neatly fold your kilt up as it would be worn (pleats in the back, smooth part in the front) and use a clip hanger or a wooden clamp hanger to keep the waist pressed tightly together. You don't want any sagging! For protection against dust and moths, store the kilt in a plastic garment bag. 2. Keep babywipes handy. If you spill anything on your kilt, clean immediately! The best method for spot cleaning is to use baby wipes ("those sweet-smelling ones for cleaning baby bots!" according to the Scottish Tartan Authority.) or a clean cloth with warm to cool water. However, if neither of the those methods manage to remove the stain, try a spot cleaner but test it on the inside of the kilt first. 3. Cold water only! The real enemies of wool are heat and agitation. So, if you are brave enough to attempt to clean your own kilt, cold, not icy, water with a wool friendly soap is a wonderful option. Here is a forum discussion with a few different methods of cleaning your kilt with this combination. 4. Choose your dry cleaner wisely. Many people would advise against using a dry cleaner as the chemicals they use have the potential to be more damaging to a wool kilt than cleansing. However, I wouldn't completely discount this option, just be cautious in making your choice. Talk with your dry cleaner before hand to make sure they have the ability to get the job done right. If you do send your kilt to a dry cleaners, it may be a good idea to baste your kilt pleats before hand. Also, DO NOT let the dry cleaner press the kilt for you unless they really know what they are doing! Search 'baste your kilt pleats' on google and you sould be able to find some good how to instructions online. 5. Pressing a kilt takes patience, don't rush it. Before pressing (like dry cleaning) a kilt should be basted to maintain the shape of the original pleats of the kilt. Skipping this step could (well, most likely will) have disastrous results for your kilt. Here is a good forum explaining of how to properly press a kilt. _________________ Hope this helps some of you kilt owners out there! Also If you don't have a kilt, or are looking to purchase another... NOW is the time! We have having a big sale, everything at least 10% off! Check out what is on offer, men's kilts, ladies' kilts. Ends September 30th.

Traditional, but timeless, tartan takes center stage this season hitting runways as one of the top fashion trends for autumn and winter 2013-2014. In fact, it is everywhere, the shops are stocking up and it is not an uncommon sight to see celebrities sporting tartan for formal events or even as everyday wear.  However, tartan has certainly seen the runway before featuring in collections by a number of designers including Corrie Nielson and Alexander McQueen (dress worn by Sarah Jessica Parker).  Get with the trend! Check out our tartan shop.

FORGOTTEN DEAD, I SALUTE YOU xxxxxxxxxxx┈ by Muriel Stuart (1885 -1967) Dawn has flashed up the startled skies, Night has gone out beneath the hill Many sweet times; before our eyes Dawn makes and unmakes about us still The magic that we call the rose. The gentle history of the rain Has been unfolded, traced and lost By the sharp finger-tips of frost; Birds in the hawthorn build again; The hare makes soft her secret house; The wind at tourney comes and goes, Spurring the green, unharnessed boughs; The moon has waxed fierce and waned dim: He knew the beauty of all those Last year, and who remembers him? Love sometimes walks the waters still, Laughter throws back her radiant head; Utterly beauty is not gone, And wonder is not wholly dead. The starry, mortal world rolls on; Between sweet sounds and silences, With new, strange wines her beakers brim: He lost his heritage with these Last year, and who remembers him? None remember him: he lies In earth of some strange-sounding place, Nameless beneath the nameless skies, The wind his only chant, the rain The only tears upon his face; Far and forgotten utterly By living man. Yet such as he Have made it possible and sure For other lives to have, to be; For men to sleep content, secure. Lip touches lip and eyes meet eyes Because his heart beats not again: His rotting, fruitless body lies That sons may grow from other men. He gave, as Christ, the life he had The only life desired or known; The great, sad sacrifice was made For strangers; this forgotten dead Went out into the night alone. There was his body broken for you, There was his blood divinely shed That in the earth lie lost and dim. Eat, drink, and often as you do, For whom he died, remember him.   ------------------------------------------------------------ I thought it was was fitting, hope you all enjoyed it.

We believe that you don’t need a special occasion to wear a well-made kilt. However, there are numerous events throughout the whole year where wearing a kilt is essential. So instead of hiring one, why not buy your own kilt package to wear anytime you want? There is Christmas to celebrate, then the Burn’s Supper in January, and the romantics will want to look smart on Valentine’s Day. Other important festivities such as christenings, parties, weddings, birthdays and many other occasions all require a well-made kilt outfit. Renting kilt packages for each and every festivity might cost you a lot more than investing in one that is yours to wear as and where you wish! Hand-Stitched Kilt Packages For All Occasions The kilt packages manufactured for The Scotland Kilt Company will last you a lifetime and will remain fashionable throughout the seasons. You can choose from a vast range of tartan, or have one woven exclusively for you. For instance, why not have a family tartan kilt woven for your wedding? A kilt can also be passed on from generation to generation. Hand-made from durable local woven tartans, the kilts and the jackets from the kilt packages are made to measure. What’s more, each kilt outfit contains everything to make your Highland Dress complete. Our range of outfits include: • Casual kilt outfits, • Prince Charlie jacket kilt outfits, • Argyle jacket kilt outfits, • Tweed jacket kilt outfits, • Children’s kilt outfits. Get your kilt package from The Scotland Kilt Company and enjoy wearing it to any occasion and event, whether it is formal or casual. Get Your Kilt Outfit From The Scotland Kilt Company Hiring a kilt outfit for each occasion can be expensive, so invest in a high quality kilt package that will last you through many years and will not go out of fashion. Choose from a variety of tartans available options that range from casual to dressier kilt outfits. If you are looking for a unique gift, a kilt outfit is the perfect idea. Ideal for all ages, these kilt packages come complete with all of the accessories you need – a shirt, kilt, hose, sgian dubh, belt and a sporran. At The Scotland Kilt Company you will also find a wide range of ladies clothing, children’s wear, clan and tartan items, and a selection of Scottish gifts. Get everything that you need for a kilt in one convenient online store! To make an order for your kilt package today or for more information please email sales@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk or call 0131 553 3472.

Choosing the perfect Christmas gift can be a real headache – stores are crowded with people hunting for last minute presents, and then you have to wait in the long queue at the tills... To help you avoid the hassle related to gift searching, The Scotland Kilt Company offers you a wide range of high quality items. These range from traditional kilts to Harris tweed jackets , which are all available online! Why Do Harris Tweed Jackets Make Such Great Gifts? If you are looking for a great gift for a friend or family member, look no further than our selection of high quality traditional tartan kilts and jackets. One of the most popular items at The Scotland Kilt Company online store is the Harris tweed jacket, the ideal gift for anyone who loves a genuine classic, timeless style. You can browse through our huge selection of items and look at the variety of jackets made from this unique fabric. The fabric is legally protected by The Harris Tweed Act of Parliament 1993. This law regulates the conditions under which this fabric is made. According to the law, Harris Tweed can only come from the Outer Hebrides and must be hand woven from local wool. Every tweed jacket that is available at our store is stamped with the official ‘gold crossed orb mark’ of the Harris Tweed Authority to prove its authenticity. The Harris tweed jacket is an iconic element of the Scottish culture, and makes a fantastic Christmas gift. Our jackets are assured to meet your needs for superb quality and excellent fit. Find different colours and patterns which can be stylishly paired with a shirt and tie. Hard wearing, this blazer jacket will keep you warm throughout the long winter months. Get Your Tartan, Kilt And Tweed Gifts From TSKC If tweed jackets are not what you are looking for, why not take a look at our vast range of kilt outfits that are perfect for any occasion. We also stock a variety of superbly made kilt outfits for children! Get prepared for the Christmas season with stylish and traditional gifts from The Scotland Kilt Company. Discover a variety of menswear, ladies clothing, children’s clothing, unique clan & tartan items, and traditional Scottish gifts. Traditional Gifts From The Scotland Kilt Company Our company strives to provide you with the best items of clothing, which will meet your demands for superb quality, durability and originality. Get kilts that are made from expertly woven tartan, choose from superbly tailored tweed jackets, or select from some traditional Scottish clothing for children, which is suitable for all occasions. The Scotland Kilt Company is a family run business that takes great pride in providing a high quality service to meet your demands. Being reputable sellers and experts in Highland dress, we offer you the best hand-made kilts, Harris tweed blazer jackets, Scottish made sporrans, kilt outfits, and accessories- all of which can be made in smaller or larger sizes. An extensive range of ladies wear is also available! For more information on Harris tweed jackets and other items of clothing, feel free to call us on: 0131 553 3472 or email us at: sales@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk

Here at The Scotland Kilt Company you can find a wide choice of kilts, accessories and Scottish Harris Tweed jackets. What is Harris Tweed and what makes this material so unique and desirable? Today we’re looking at the history of Harris Tweed. Heritage And History Of Harris Tweed The story begins with the inhabitants of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The luxury woollen cloth used for tweed jackets has been produced entirely by hand by the skilled islanders of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra. They have long been known for their perfect weaving. Despite the superior quality of the cloth, it was primarily sold only in local markets until the mid 19th century. However, in 1846 everything changed when Lady Dunmore, the widow of Earl Dunmore, the landowner of Harris, chose the Harris weavers to replicate their clan’s tartan in tweed. The result was so successful that it didn't take long for Lady Dunmore to begin marketing this beautiful material to her wealthy friends. The popularity of the cloth began to increase and led to merchants across the country requesting to sell the tweed. This marked the beginning of the Harris tweed industry. Harris Tweed soon became desired by the elite and demand increased sharply. Between 1903 and 1906 the tweed production was in full swing. However, it soon became necessary to take measures to ensure that quality standards were maintained and that the tweed was protected from imitators looking to cash in on the island’s success. That’s why, in 1906, The Harris Tweed Association Limited was established with a view to creating a quality control stamp for the tweed. This mark of certification was granted in 1909, with the stamping process commencing in 1911. In the subsequent decades, Harris Tweed became known and loved the world over. This material became a fashion staple and could be seen on everyone from the Royal Family to Hollywood icons, on catwalks and on red carpets. It remains a popular choice for top fashion designers. By the middle of the twentieth century, Harris tweed had cemented its status as a timeless textile. Things began to change in the 1990’s when production processes were modernised and wider, softer, lighter tweed was introduced. The introduction of cheaper imitation tweed garments threatened the survival of Harris tweed, however, the sheer quality and timeless elegance of Harris Tweed ensured it remained the popular choice for those looking for luxury fabric with unrivalled longevity and style. The Scotland Kilt Company Provider Of Harris Tweed If you are looking to buy Harris Tweed jackets or kilts, why not browse our website? You will find a wide choice of top quality Classic and Lightweight Scottish Harris Tweed Jackets. When buying from us you can be certain that you are getting genuine, top quality Harris tweed jackets. All of the items found on our page are in stock and available for express delivery. So whether you are seeking the perfect traditional jacket to compliment a certain outfit, or you simply want a quality jacket that will last you through the years, take a look at our Harris Tweed range and you won’t be left disappointed. For more information please email: sales@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk or call: 0131 553 3472

Harris Tweed is a widely recognised fabric which is hand made in the Outer Hebrides by skilled weavers. The beautiful colours and the rich texture of Harris Tweed are adored by people worldwide, and the quality of this striking woollen textile is unrivalled. But how is the famous cloth produced? The process consists of several steps and each of them contributes to the splendour of the fabric. Let us be the first to tell you that the whole process of creating Harris Tweed is nothing short of fascinating. The Creation Of Harris Tweed Unlike many other types of fabric, each step of making the famous Harris Tweed cloth is carried out by the weavers and crafters themselves. Almost all of the stages of the process are completed in a single mill. Harris Tweed is protected by an Act of Parliament which states that the weaving for the fabric must be carried out locally. The wool that is used to produce the fabric comes from British herds and arrives at the mill in a raw state, where it is prepared for the first step of becoming the tweed that we know and love. The islanders begin by dyeing the wool. The threads are first dyed in base colours, which later allows for almost unlimited shades of colour to be created. After the dyeing process the wool is dried in a large spin dryer. This process is followed by tumble drying, since the wool has to dry before it is mixed into the yarns that make the Harris tweed cloth. The next step is all about colour; a specific shade recipe is developed to achieve incredible colour depth and diversity. The colours which are used for Harris Tweed are inspired by nature and the Scottish landscape. The dyed wool is put through the first stage of carding and teasing. Essentially, this is a process of detangling and straightening the wool fibres into more a manageable state. Producing The Harris Tweed Yarn, The Weaving And Quality Inspection At this stage, the individual ribbons of thread are formed. The thread is then spun; the strength of the yarn is achieved by twisting the thread from six to eight times. However, due to the fragility of the thread at this stage, the machine cannot operate with full force, as broken threads would need to be hand-tied. Once this step is complete, a group of threads is created and organised in the necessary way to achieve the desired pattern through weaving. According to the statutory Act of parliament, the weaving of the famous cloth must be carried out in the homes of the local weavers. This means that every inch of the fabric is produced by human hands. It is checked for imperfections after the weaving and washing and later given the stamp of authenticity with the orb and the cross, certifying that the requirements of the law have been met. The famous Harris Tweed jacket requires a great deal of effort to be produced, which makes it a unique and valuable clothing item in any man’s wardrobe. If you are looking for the fully certified Harris tweed jackets, check out the variety at The Scotland Kilt Company today! For more information on the Harris Tweed jackets please email sales@theschotlandkiltcompany.co.uk or call 0131 553 3472.

Many people remember the 90’s and all the glorious fashions that it brought with it – chunky digital watches, tracksuits and popped collars are some that most of us would probably rather forget. One trend which has stood the test of time, however, is tartan; back in fashion for the 2013 and 2014 winter seasons, now has never been a better time to buy a tartan kilt. Tartan Kilts – Observing Fashion Whilst Maintaining Tradition Scotland prides itself on a vibrant culture that has arisen from a rich history which ranges from the founding of the clans all the way up to the modern day. Originally, the pattern on a Scotsman’s tartan kilt identified which clan he was a member of and which part of the country he was from. Nowadays, people can still choose tartan kilts based on clan, but more commonly it is just out of personal preference. The kilt itself evolved from a hunting garment designed to give greater mobility to an item for everyday wear. Either way, if being fashionable is a primary concern you can be assured that your tartan kilt is very much ‘in’ this year. You don’t have to be Scottish to wear a tartan kilt though; many Scottish customs are celebrated in England, Ireland, Wales and the world over, and can be a perfect time to wear a kilt. Have you been invited to a Burns Night celebration? A tartan kilt is a fantastic way to get into the spirit and make sure that you celebrate the works of Scotland’s favourite son in style. Or how about hogmanay? A tartan kilt will make sure that you ring in the new year in the proper fashion. What Should You Wear With a Tartan Kilt? For those not well versed in the traditional outfits that a tartan kilt is a part of, a refresher course might be useful. The best thing to start with is a Harris Tweed jacket – this is another item of Scottish clothing that has seen a resurgence in recent years. Couple this with a white shirt, a five button waistcoat and a suitable tie and you’ve got the beginnings of a traditional and fashionable outfit. You’ll also want to make sure you have a sporran, which functions as a pocket with a traditionally pocket-less kilt. As for the lower half, you’ll want to get a pair of traditional hose and pair them off with some contemporary brogues to maintain a modern look to go with your tartan kilt. If You Need Highland Dress of Any Kind, Visit The Scotland Kilt Company There’s nothing quite like owning your own tartan kilt, and here at The Scotland Kilt Company we can supply you with the best. Whether it’s just the kilt you’re looking for or all the accessories to go with it, you can be sure that we stock it. For more information, email us at sales@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk or call 0131 553 3472.

It's the fashion that keeps on returning – after becoming a hugely popular item in the 90’s, the tartan kilt has made a resurgence for the 2013 and 2014 autumn/winter seasons. But no longer is this item confined to gruff highlanders and teenage punk culture; the ladies kilt is now in style. And whilst tartan is very much in this year, you don’t have to limit yourself to it; utility kilts in all styles and colours can be matched with anything. How Do You Wear a Tartan Kilt? The short answer to this is: any way you want. Tartan kilts are so highly prized this season exactly because of their versatility, and you can pair yours with any other number of items to achieve the look you want. It is important to match colours though – you’ll find that adding atartan kilt with bright colours on it to an already bright jumper won’t look so great. On the other hand, matching a kilt with a bright sett to a dark jumper can elicit a classy look that will be appropriate everywhere from the office to a night out. So you've got the tartan kilt and the top, but what about outerwear? Lots of women find that a leather jacket works well with all things plaid, and a kilt is no exception. You’ll want to stick mostly to black leather though, as any other colour can overwhelm the mix of colours already present in the tartan. It’s also important to contrast your top and the jacket – here is the exception where a bright tartan kilt and a light top can work when paired off with a dark jacket. But what about the shoes? The bane of any fashion-conscious woman's life, choosing shoes to go with your tartan kilt can be a bit of a bother. We'd generally recommend boots ranging from ankle high to knee high for anything shorter than a knee-length kilt, as heels or flats here may make your legs look shorter. For tartan kilts longer than knee length, heels can be a great addition for a smarter environment and can exude a professional look that you wouldn’t get otherwise. The Scotland Kilt Company – Premium Suppliers of All Things Tartan If you're looking for a new look this season, The Scotland Kilt Company have everything you need to complete your outfit. Whether you're looking for a traditional tartan kilt or something a bit more contemporary, you'll find a whole range on our website. For more information, email us at sales@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk or call 0131 553 3472.

Prominent on the AW13 catwalks, tartan is one of the biggest prints on the highstreet. Whether it’s large shopping bag checks on an oversized coat or a neat Scottish tartan kilt, this print needn’t be scary or un-wearable. How To Choose Your Tartan You don’t to wear tartan from head to toe, to follow this trend. Making it accessible to you everyday, here are our top tips for wearing tartan this season. Red, Green or Grey? Traditional bright red tartan isn’t the only style out there. Modern, navy, grey and yellow hues are ideal for this season, and will go with almost any outfit. To turn a tartan kilt into everyday modern chic, try our made to measure knee length kilt in Black Watch Modern tartan. Take a look at the runways from Marc Jacobs and Moschino for inspiration. Tartan Grunge If you are a child of the 90’s, grunge will be your thing. Much more wearable than you think, the grunge trend is a key way to bring your outfits up to date. Think Vivienne Westwood, 90’s punk, picnic blankets and children’s Christmas dresses. Allison Modern, Boyd Ancient and Brodie Ancient red are all great traditional tartans that would work well with this trend. Shopping Bag Checks Celine used some great large tartans and checks in their AW13 collection. Not for the faint hearted, this look is bold and stands out. Go for a simple tartan kilt in Buchannan Dress Blue or Napier Ancient. How To Wear Your Tartan Tartan kilts are the obvious and most popular way to wear tartan. Classic and traditional, you can dress a kilt up or down according to the occasion. If you’re not sure about a kilt, go for a darker colour fabric with a large check. For those who do not want to wear a kilt, tartan trousers are also a great choice. A modern twist on the classic tartan kilt, check trousers are a brilliant way to introduce this trend into your wardrobe. Make your tartan items work with the rest of your wardrobe. Add a leather jacket over the top of your kilt for a modern and ‘grungy’ edge. If you’re feeling brave, mix prints and add a touch of leopard print with your Scottish tartan. For the office wear a crisp white shirts and a heel, for the weekend, wear your Scottish kilt or tartan trousers with a big cosy jumper and leather ankle boots. For other ideas on how to wear tartan, browse our website for new products and fabrics. Order your made-to-measure kilt today and receive a free kilt pin with every order. Call 0131 553 3472 or email sales@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk.