Why did Prince Charlie get a jacket named after him?

December 13, 2021

Prince Charlie is said to have been a handsome and charming young man who was very well liked by all who supported his claim. He was often painted wearing a tartan coat as well as a doublet and many believe this is where inspiration for the Prince Charlie jacket was born.

What to wear with Trews and Trousers

December 01, 2021

Tartan Trews and Trousers have grown in popularity over the years thanks to their quintessential Scottishness and their practicality. Trews, known as “Triubhas” in Gaelic, date back to the 16th century and were created as a more weather resistant alternative to kilts thanks to covering each leg in their entirety and not just down to the knee. Some people still choose to wear tartan trews or trousers these days for the same reason but it’s also because tartan trews and trousers are able to convey the same level of Scottishness as a kilt but in a more practical way. Tartan trews...

The History of Handfasting

November 26, 2021

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition that dates back to 7000 B.C. Traditionally, when two people were brought to be married, a cord or piece of material was used to bind the couple’s hands together during the ceremony. Ancient Celtic law would see this union as a trial period that lasted for one year and one day which would ensure the couple was ready for the commitment of marriage.

Clans of the Month November

November 19, 2021

Clan Baird What is the Clan Baird motto? The Clan Baird motto is Dominus Fecit (The lord made). What is the origin of Clan Baird? The first recorded mention of the name was in 1178 when Henry De Barde was witness to a charter granted by William the Lion to the Bishop of Glasgow. Popular legend suggests that the first Baird in Scotland supposedly saved William the Lion from a wild boar whilst on a hunt and as thanks, was given land in Lanarkshire. However, there are no official records to prove this tale.  Where was Clan Baird land? The...

Saint Andrew's Day

November 09, 2021

With Saint Andrew’s day around the corner, it seemed only fitting that we take a brief look into our patron saint and his relationship with Scotland. Learn how St. Andrew became the Patron Saint of Scotland and the best outfit to wear at your St. Andrew's Day party.

Connecting With Cornish Tartan

November 02, 2021

Since the late 20th century there’s been a revival of Cornish heritage which has encouraged an uptake in the Cornish language as well as the use of the Cornish tartan and kilt wearing. Cornwall has a unique heritage and is considered one of Celtic nations much like Scotland, Ireland and Wales. In 2014 Cornwall was officially recognised by the UK government as a national minority. Seen as a slightly more modern tradition that started in the mid 20th century, the first Cornish kilts were plain black with tartan variations to follow. Although considered a modern tradition, there are carvings on bench...

What to wear at Burns Supper

October 27, 2021

As we start to make plans for Burns Supper we thought we should give you an idea of what to wear during the festivities. If it wasn’t obvious already, a kilt is your go-to choice for a Burns Supper but to be a little more specific, a traditional kilt outfit is recommended.

Ex-Hire Kilts

October 26, 2021

A kilt is often considered an investment as a well made one will last a lifetime. This is mainly down to what kilts are made from which is worsted wool. Worsted wool is one of the world's most durable fabrics and is naturally water resistant which historically made it the perfect material for kilts. Coupled with the expert craftsmanship of a kiltmaker, a kilt could indeed last a lifetime or even longer if cared for correctly. While kilts might be a great investment, they can be quite costly which doesn’t always fit in peoples budgets.  Hiring is a great alternative to...

Clans Of The Month

October 14, 2021

Clan Abercrombie What is the Abercrombie Clan Motto? The Abercrombie Clan motto is Petit Alta (He aims at high things). What is the Abercrombie Clan history? William de Abercromby (spelled Haberchrumbie), and Johan de Abercromby rendered homage to Edward I of England in 1296 for lands in the parish of Abercromby in Fife. The original lineage of the Abercrombies went extinct in the mid-seventeenth century and the Abercrombies of Birkenbog became the representatives of the name.  In the 1500’s the Abercrombie name was intrinsically connected to the Catholic faith with many Abercrombies fiercely opposing the protestant faith during the Reformation. During...

Design Your Own Tartan

October 08, 2021

With weddings and events back in the diary, there has never been a better time to stand out from the crowd. With our tartan design service you don’t choose between modern or ancient, you choose bespoke. Design your very own tartan and have it officially registered in The Scottish Register of Tartans. Designing a tartan from scratch may seem like a complicated process but with the help of our in-house tartan designer, it couldn’t be easier.  The first step once you have decided that you want to design your own tartan is to get in touch with us. Our tartan...

What is a Sgian Dubh?

September 22, 2021

Often spelled Skean Dhu, a Sgian Dubh is a traditional Scottish, single-edged knife which is worn as part of a highland wear outfit. The words Sgian Dubh directly translated from Gaelic means black (dubh) dagger (sgian). Traditionally a sgian dubh would have been the everyday knife that was small enough to be carried in a pocket or sporran. It was used for all manner of things like cutting rope, food or material but it was also used for protection.Unlike a dirk which was a long bladed knife worn on the belt, a sgian dubh could be retained for protection in...

Kilt Shop In London

September 16, 2021

London has a population of roughly 8.9 million people which is about 3 million more people than that of the entire population of Scotland. London is a multinational city that draws people in from all over the world, including from Scotland. There are a large number of Scots or people with a Scottish connection that live in London and for that reason, in 2015, MacGregor and MacDuff decided to open our London Fitting Service. The lack of traditional Highlandwear shops in London is understandable but what that meant was Scottish-London residents would have to travel back to Scotland every time...