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We are proud to say we work with the finest weavers in Scotland to offer you a vast range of tartan kilts for all occasions! If your ideal kilt isn’t in stock, we’ll do our very best to have it specially woven in the colour you want! From hand stitched tartan kilts, gorgeous made to measure jackets, sgian dubhs, belt buckles and Scottish made sporrans; we have a huge variety of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children! If you’re unwise when it comes to tartan, read on - because today we’re hoping uncover some interesting facts about its different shades. Tartan Kilts, Why The Different Shades? The process of dying and weaving to create a kilt is a skilled art. Our tartan kilts are poles apart from mass produced, substandard items available on the high street. So we want you to rid those expectations of completely indistinguishable tartan kilts, because the art of crafting a kilt is far superior. With this in mind, we do obviously carefully craft coordinated items that are distinct from the rest; so if you order a blue tartan kilt, you don’t need to worry about receiving a red one! Despite popular belief, tartan designs originally had no names, and no symbolic meaning. However, the firm of William Wilson & Sons of Bannockburn created names for their varying designs of tartan as a sales technique in the 18th century, and around 100 years later these ‘clan’ names began to stick. We’re not going to limit you to a certain tartan design representing your family name though, as it’s not necessarily going to be the same tartan that your ancestors would have worn hundreds of years ago. So whether you want to reconnect with your Scottish heritage, or you just love our tartan products, you’re free to choose the tartan colour and design for you! Traditionally, tartan shades were often very broadly defined by their more prominent colour, such as our ‘blue/red’ examples above, however you’ll never find only one colour in your tartan item. It’s no exaggeration to say that a blue kilt might be woven in varying shades of purple by one weaver and sea green by another. These are both correct, and an authentic weaver will not only accept this tradition of variation, but will positively value it. An ‘ancient red’ kilt may appear orange, or a ‘weathered green’ one brown, so when browsing our items it’s wise to keep an open mind. If you read our product descriptions with very particular expectations or view the photography of a tartan item with a meticulous eye, then you may be in for a surprise! Tartan fabric is like no other, and as a key part of Scotland’s history, we embrace the traditional and unique final result of a tartan product. Although kilts are traditionally made from woollen tartan cloth, something to remember about kilts is that they can be made from other materials. Tweed, for example, is another popular alternative to standard kilt materials. Contact The Scottish Kilt Company Today For the highest quality tartan kilts please browse our range at the Scotland Kilt Company today. We have over 100 different tartan variations so you’re sure to find the right tartan for you! To learn more about our collection of tartans, please send us an email at sales@thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk, give us a call on 0131 553 3472 or send us a message via our online contact page.

How much is that doggy in the window (the one with the matching Harris Tweed coat?) These past two weeks have seen the somewhat late arrival of the proper wintry weather that we’ve come to expect in more recent years. Just four years ago (as if we could forget), the UK was experiencing its coldest December since Met Office records began in 1910, with temperatures plummeting as low as -16ºC as recorded at Altnaharra in the Highlands. In a U-turn from four years ago, so far 2014 has been the warmest year on record with ten out of eleven months seeing above average mean temperatures. Snow boots and shovels at the ready…but only at the ready for the moment. And in typical British style, we are all feeling a little unprepared. I’ve only just packed away my summer shorts (much to everyone’s pleasure) since ‘Heatwave Halloween’. OK we admit it; summer chic isn’t our forte. But when it comes to winter style, we can’t be beaten. And the tip of this winter style iceberg can be summed up in two, iconic words: Harris Tweed. This magnificent (and now globally recognised) brand is truly something to be proud of in our heritage. Not only in terms of its historical roots; but the brand has always – and continues to be – the custodian of uncompromised quality when it comes to Scottish fabric. Hand woven and finished by islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, this beautiful textile is also made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the same location. The exact date of Harris Tweed’s roots remain uncertain, but the passing of an Act of Parliament in 1993 created the Harris Tweed Authority; an organisation responsible for promoting and maintaining the brand’s authenticity, standard and reputation, which is embodied through the unmistakable ‘Orb’ branded on each genuine Harris Tweed item. And as you would expect from a heritage brand, the pieces are timeless and personal. From classic, ‘forever’ wardrobe staples including the ‘Kate’ check jacket and wool blazers for men, the brand has also moved with the times. The range now extends to stylish iPad cases, gloves, wallets, handbags and even interior accessories; perfect wallet-friendly Christmas gifts that won’t ever go out of fashion. But the crème de la crème has to be the matching jackets now available for your pooch. Cute, stylish and warm – it’s definitely fair to say that whilst a dog is for life and not just for Christmas, so is your Harris Tweed jacket. So step out in style with your fetching canine friend (sorry…I couldn’t resist) and give winter the cold shoulder this year.

Stocking Fillers to Secret Santa – your SKC gift guide to making Christmas extra special Whether you’re Santa’s Little Helper or Ebenezer Scrooge, the Christmas season is well and truly under way and the countdown is on, with just over a week to go until the big day. If you’re anything like me, I’m your typical man; that is to say I’m not exactly what you’d call a Christmas Planner. I think it’s safe to say I fit into the ‘man dash’ category of shopper; usually panic buying on Christmas Eve, running around the shops in a festive frenzy (did you know 70% of shoppers on Christmas Eve are men?) with a burnt-out credit card making the obligatory impulse purchases. The sad fact is that, unfortunately, many gifts given on Christmas Day will shortly end up either being returned or appearing on eBay for re-sale. In 2012, research from the Daily Mail reveals that the average UK adult received two unwanted presents; with friends, mothers and work colleagues being the main culprits when it comes to giving duff gifts. So you’ll be warmed and comforted to know that central to our ethos here at the Scotland Kilt Company is that we take the time to make sure all our gift items are hand-selected for their quality and individuality. Working with specialist, elegant designers and local Scottish craftspeople – including the likes of bag and accessory guru Catherine Aitken – you can take comfort that any gift you give this year from the Scotland Kilt Company will be treasured forever. Based in Leith just north of here, Catherine uses heritage cloths - including Harris Tweed, Fife Linens, waxed cottons from Dundee and Scottish deerskin – to produce uniquely classic-looking, bespoke timeless pieces which make ideal Christmas gifts. For those in your life who can’t resist a wee dram or two to warm those chilly winter evenings, treat them to a beautifully crafted Glencairn Flight Tray Set with water jug, two classic Glencairn whisky glasses and a neat oak carrier tray. Made purely with the whisky fan in mind, this family-run company based just south of Glasgow prides itself on giving customers ‘the spirit of Scotland in a glass of its own’. For more ideas and inspiration, make sure you take a peek at our Gift Page, whether you are looking for a last-minute stocking filler or secret Santa surprise. And don’t forget! If you request UK Special Delivery you can order right up until the 23rd December in time for Christmas. So as 2014 draws to a close, we wish all our customers a very happy Christmas and New Year with health and happiness for 2015.

Burns Night part 1: how to throw a sparkling supper In the first of our two special Burns Night blogs for January, we’re here to give you the inside tips and tricks on how to make yours an entertaining, fun-filled evening packed with little treats that will wow your guests. If you’re attending an event or supper - rather than hosting - then we’ve got the low-down on what to wear and inspirational gift ideas for your host to make you stand out from the crowd. Burns Night. The annual gastro-literary tribute to the life, works and spirit of the great Scottish poet, Robert – “Rabbie” – Burns. Held each year on or around the time of his birthday (25th January), it’s the moment to wave goodbye to the January Blues (which officially end on the 1st February!) and come together with those near and dear to us to celebrate the most landmark traditional Scottish festival in the calendar. Whilst most Burns suppers tend to stick to a fairly structured format in terms of order of the evening and food and drink, it’s always good to add your own twist on things and create your own sense of Scottish style. Firstly though, before planning the evening for your guests, think about yourself and what to wear. This is an occasion to be a little extravagant (after all, you are the host – or hostess – with the most-ess!) so, for the men, don some striking tartan trews teamed with a crisp white shirt and smart bow tie, finished off with either a flattering Argyle Jacket or sleek Prince Charlie Jacket and waistcoat. Dapper and sophisticated enough for a party, but less formal and more practical than a kilt and sporran if you’re the host whizzing around chatting to guests all evening. And for the ladies, why not treat yourself to a sophisticated, made-to-measure hostess kilt with matching sash and rosette? Floor-length, elegant and practical; when teamed with a blouse or cashmere sweater, will create a flattering look that is easy to move and mingle in, but essentially Scottish and traditional. So, now the host is sorted, let’s turn to the decorations. A beautifully set table with charming cutlery, crystal clear glasses and themed napkins can’t ever be beaten. But go that extra mile to really give the ‘wow’ factor. Pop some classic lavender and purple thistles into pewter tankards and scatter around the room and table to give a warm, welcoming feel; tie a tartan ribbon neatly around each guest’s napkin to give that sense of occasion; and when the time comes to toast throughout the evening, give each guest a decorative quaich - Scotland’s traditional cup of love and friendship. So now you have some tips on what to wear and how to decorate the room for your supper, make sure you catch our next blog later this month to see how to make your Burns evening really go off with a bang.

So welcome to the second installment of our special January blogs dedicated to crafting the perfect Burns Night, which will shortly be upon us this Sunday. In our last post we gave you some top tips and advice on what to wear if you are hosting or attending a Burns Night supper, as well as how to decorate your table and make the dining room look dazzling for your guests. So, depending on what type of evening you are planning on throwing, whether a formal dinner or an informal, intimate group of your nearest and dearest, it’s good to stick to at least some of the traditions which give Burns Night its authentic feel. After all, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without bad cracker jokes and dry mince pies (soaked up by lashings of brandy cream in my house), and so Burns Night wouldn’t be Burns Night without haggis, neeps, tatties and reciting the odd piece of Robbie Burns’ poetry with a slur after too much whisky. So to kick off the evening, have a think about the music you might want playing whilst guests are arriving, as well as when the haggis is being ‘piped’ in. Whilst a professional bagpipe player may be a little extravagant for a home dinner party, some well-thought out music in the background will really add to the ambience. Next - two traditions which cannot be bypassed - the address and the toast to the haggis. Make sure you nominate someone with an added bit of charisma for these jobs, as it will spark off the evening and get the party atmosphere started. Get your guests in the spirit from the start! For the main meal, if you have time in advance, why not try making your own haggis? There are some fantastic traditional and vegetarian recipes around; or for the time-poor (myself included here), there are some excellent local butchers with their own uniquely tasting recipes. For more inspiration for your ‘Bill O’ Fare’, take a look at the Scotland.org website for some unorthodox and exciting recipes, including scrumptious Dingwall Haggis Bon Bons and Oatmeal shortbread, whisky chocolate, marinated raspberries and whisky caramel. Delish. And who could forget the real party-giver – whisky. It’s traditional to douse the haggis with whisky ‘sauce’ (in Scottish terms that means neat whisky!) and to follow the meal with an offering of whiskies for your guests. But do as you see fit. If you are attending a Burns supper, why not take a pewter or tartan whisky flask as a treasured gift to your host as a thank-you? Now comes the time in the evening for some entertainment in the form of reading Robbie Burns poetry, including Tam O’ Shanter and Holy Willie’s Prayer, or a song, such as the infamous My Luve is Like a Red Red Rose. There are no hard and fast rules about the entertainment these days, especially if yours is an informal evening, so be creative and involve your guests - they will love you for it. Make this part of the evening fun and perhaps even consider having a recital competition, or even a Robbie Burns quiz to liven things up. You can also hold off the entertainment until after The Immortal Memory or the Reply to the Toast to the Lassies if you wish. Finally, Burns Night would not be complete without finishing off with a round of Auld Lang Syne to send your guests on their way. One tradition I do like to stick to. But whichever way you choose to celebrate, remember that having fun is the one and only hard and fast rule here, so enjoy!

Fall in love with Scotland this Valentine’s Day They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder; and I believe love is too. Flaws to one person are endearing quirks to another, and it’s often these traits which make you fall for someone - or something, or someplace - and build a bond that can last a lifetime. As my mother always wisely and honestly said, ‘Love is about seeing an imperfect person perfectly.’ Scotland is often described as ‘rugged’ and ‘wild’; two words you don’t link to romance or ideas of love! However, like all good love stories, scratch beneath the surface a little and you will see a depth, excitement and beauty that exists in few other places in the world. So, in honour of Valentine’s Day approaching this Saturday, we thought it would be fitting to compile a list of our top ten reasons to fall in love with Scotland this Valentine’s Day. Please add your own comments at the bottom of the post if you have any other special moments when your love affair with our beautiful land started! Edinburgh Our capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Edinburgh has a magical feel with the castle overlooking the city, like in a fairy tale. It’s also where the SKC shop is, so definitely a reason to visit! Scotch whisky There are just shy of one hundred distilleries in Scotland, each producing their own distinctive tasting drams. Harris Tweed Hand woven and finished by islanders in their homes in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, this beautiful fabric is also made from pure virgin wool. Check out our range here. The accent Aye, some say it’s the softest and sexiest accent there is, others find it impossible to understand! Ye ken, no whit I ah mean? Tartan One of the most recognisable Scottish cultural icons in the world, there are hundreds of thousands of unique tartan designs, often representing a family clan or history. Check out our tartan collections on our website. Burns Night Only in Scotland could we make the festive season last until the end of January by celebrating the renowned works of poet Robbie Burns. The Loch Ness Monster Nessie is real. Say no more. Haggis OK it may not be the prettiest of dishes, but my goodness it tastes good! Wholesome, traditional Scottish food at its best. Irn Bru Oh yes, sticking with the foodie theme, Irn Bru is often referred to as ‘Scotland’s other national drink’. If you haven’t tried it, you haven’t lived. The Isle of Skye One of the most magical and special places on earth: breathtaking and spectacular scenery with a cultural history to match.

My Big Fat Scottish Wedding: time to start planning Ok, so engagement season is officially over – Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day have all been and gone; and spring wedding season is now in full swing. Were you one of the lucky ones whose other half popped the question this year? But that’s just one half of the story. And in truth, the fun part is probably over for a few months… The dreaded questions which all future brides and grooms loathe to hear will soon start flowing: ‘how’s all the planning going?’, ‘are you all sorted?’, ‘oooh, you’re cutting that a bit fine aren’t you?’ And on top of this, you have a monster-in-law to contend with, bickering bridesmaids and an out-of-control best man – or if you’re really unlucky, maybe all three! Although undoubtedly one of the happiest and memorable days of your life, for most of us, wedding planning was a stressful headache; unless you were one of those who could afford a Jennifer Lopez-style wedding planner from the movies. But on the upside, help is at hand. Sites such as www.weddingplanner.co.uk and www.hitched.co.uk are especially designed to aide the organising process, whilst www.gettingmarried.co.uk lets you go the whole hog, allowing you to create your own free personal wedding website where your guests can interact. Venue, invitations, flowers, cake – no one said this was going to be done over a few emails in your lunch break. And of course, who could forget the outfits. According to Brides magazine, the average cost of a wedding dress in 2014 was £1,340, whilst the groom’s outfit came in at just under one quarter of the price at £313 - £24 less than the mother of the bride’s outfit! Who said weddings were all about the ladies hey? But whether it’s here in bonnie Scotland or somewhere more exotic (in which case you might want to consider a lightweight kilt), book your personal appointment at SKC HQ here in Edinburgh to get some expert advice and the wedding party fitted for our bespoke, made-to-measure kilts and tailored jackets. Grooms, fathers of the grooms, fathers of the brides, best men and page boys – come along and let’s tick one more thing off the list. We’re also here for the wedding party of a different kind – the stag do! If you plan on donning kilts for the bachelor’s big send off, check out our drinking kilts which are perfect for the party occasion and won’t break the bank. Call us 0131 553 3472 or follow the link to Arrange a Fitting and chat to our friendly team for some advice.

The need for Tweed – innovative spring accessories for modern day living They’ve done it again – Glasgow based design house Maccessori and Scottish fabric giant Harris Tweed has come up trumps with their latest collection of accessories to liven up your spring wardrobe. And as part of our ethos to work with local quality Scottish brands and designers, the Scotland Kilt Company is delighted to be stocking the latest Cloudberry Collection. The collection contains a striking range of iPhone and iPad soft cases, as well as bifold wallets and folio sleeves in a variety of bold and on-trend colours to match any wardrobe or workday bag. Yellow, red, blue and green - pick your favourite to inject a classic, colourful staple into your everyday wear (or gadget!) that will never go out of fashion. The Cloudberry Collection also includes a range of cute cosmetic bags, wash bags, practical holdalls and cross-over body bags. Collections like these add a new and interesting twist to the Harris Tweed brand which, although a long way from the production levels of the last century, has seen a revival in recent times to an annual production of one million metres (up from 250,000 metres per year). This may be down to the fact that the brand has recently been subject to some headline-grabbing campaigns, including a quirky collaboration in December 2014 with iconic Scotch whiskey Johnnie Walker Black Label to create a ‘fabric of flavour’, where the material smells of whiskey (and can’t be washed out!) The ‘Tweedo’ also made an appearance in men’s accessories – we’ll let you know if we plan on stocking that one any time soon! Mother of Wimbledon champ, Judy Murray, also got in on the act by developing a bespoke tweed for Andy’s hotel Cromlix. Featuring a purple Wimbledon-inspired collection including a clutch bag, toiletry bags, cufflinks and cushion covers, the Cromlix collection is exclusively available from Andy’s hotel, based just outside his hometown of Dunblane. Constantly evolving and adapting to modern living, this is definitely one heritage brand that isn’t going out of style any time soon. So be sure to check out all our Harris Tweed collections on the website, www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk

Bonny Scotland meets Game of Thrones – on and off set (the red carpet, actually) There’s no doubt that Game of Thrones has been one of the most notoriously successful and talked about TV series of the noughties; rivalled only by the likes of the epic Breaking Bad. Developed in the USA and based on George R. R. Martin’s series of fantasy novels, the series has been filmed in various striking locations across the globe including Northern Ireland, Croatia, Iceland, Morocco, Spain, Malta, the USA and of course…here in our very own bonny Scotland. Doune Castle, near Stirling, was the set for Winterfell in the pilot episode of the series and has been popular with many films and TV programmes over the years, including Monty Python and Ivanhoe (the latter starring Elizabeth Taylor). Game of Thrones has also brought many of our best home grown actors to the forefront of the small screen; including Iain Glen (playing Jorah Mormont), originally from Edinburgh and a former Edinburgh Academy pupil, and James Cosmo (playing Jeor Mormont), originally from Clydebank, just northwest of Glasgow. James Cosmo has also featured in several hugely successful Scottish-based films and series; including Braveheart, Trainspotting and Highlander. To add to the list of long-established Scottish actors, Game of Thrones has also shown off some of our newer home-grown talent, including 27 year old Richard Madden (playing Robb Stark) from Elderslie in Renfrewshire, 30 year old Emun Elliot (playing Marillion) and 27 year old Rose Leslie (playing Ygritte). You might recognise the dazzling Rose Leslie from series one of Downton Abbey, where she played a maid called Gwen. She also won a BAFTA for Best New Talent for her debut role in the Scottish film New Town in 2009. Aberdeen-born, this talented young lady has an impressive legacy, as she is the daughter of the chieftain of Clan Leslie, Sebastian Arbuthnot-Leslie, and was brought up in the 15th century Lickleyhead Castle, just northwest of Aberdeen. Our bonny Game of Thrones starlets aren’t shy when it comes to plugging their Scottish roots and heritage on the red carpet either. Last month in New York for the season four series premiere, Rory McCann (who plays character Sandor Clegane) donned fully tailored highland dress in a three piece stylish Black Watch tartan ensemble. But what we loved about this outfit was the attention to detail – a black leather sporran, matching silver kilt pin and pocket watch duo, kilt hose and that silk mustard kilt jacket lining. Well done Rory. Trés chic indeed. To find out more about our bespoke, made-to-measure kilt service, contact us via email or call 0131 553 3472

A haggis for all seasons Traditionally kept as a Burns Night special, the humble haggis is having a revamp. A conventional recipe for this savoury Scotch pudding usually contains (for the squeamish amongst us look away now!) minced sheep’s pluck (heart, liver and lungs) with diced onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt; mixed together with stock. And now for the slightly queasy part…the above is traditionally encased in said sheep’s stomach and cooked. Although these days, more often than not, an artificial cellulose casing is used as a substitute. Phew. Having said all that, if you’ve ever tried haggis, you’ll know it’s incredibly tasty, moreish and savoury. Delish on chilly winter nights with neeps and tatties. Yum. Certainly an experience not to be missed if you’re visiting Scotland! It’s thought that the origins of this famous dish stem from ancient hunting; that offal cooked inside the killed animal’s stomach from the day’s hunt was a nutritious and convenient way to feed the hungry party. These days, however, the haggis has upped its game. Festivals are held throughout the year to celebrate this landmark dish, including the Highland Haggis Festival; and there’s even a sport dedicated to its name – the World Haggis Hurling Championship. The haggis has also evolved now with various different yummy varieties available. Royal Scotch Haggis is a beautifully rich and sumptuous version which replaces the lamb element with venison; whilst for an added kick, test out the Whisky Haggis which combines traditional lamb-based haggis with a dash of our very own Scotch Whisky. Scotland’s two finest culinary delights in one! What more could you ask for? And for the veggies amongst us (or for those who can’t stomach the thought of a traditional meat-based haggis!) there’s no need to miss out on the authentic experience. Opt for the Vegetarian Haggis which uses a tasty blend of vegetables, oatmeal and spices. All made in Scotland using traditional, authentic recipes, our haggis range needs no refrigeration and comes in handy, sealed tins. Each decorated in a colourful scotch tartan design, they make a memorable gift to take home too. So don’t wait until Burns Night - make haggis a part of your menu all year round. Visit our haggis web page for the full range and varieties