The Kilt in Crisis

[Paul Henry]

The Kilt in Crisis
I didn't realise there were so few makers in Scotland, this is certainly not very happy news

[Stratherrick]

Where did you get your information from?

Slainte

Bruce

[Teufel Hunden]

Sad, to be sure. I think kiltmaking will go the way of blacksmithing, where there will always be fine, quality products to find, but most will be not-so-traditionally made by mass production means.

It takes a special person to have the desire to be totally dedicated to making products for such a niche market. It's fairly understandable that in this modern world with so many other career options available to everyone, something so old fashioned would be chosen by only a select few. I doubt seriously that the traditional methods will die forever, as there will always be at least a few people wanting to carry them on, just as there will always be customers willing to pay a premium for a quality kilt.

[Paul Henry]

Where did you get your information from?

Slainte

Bruce

Sorry I don't understand, I was merely copying an article from The Sunday Herald,I don't claim any ownership, merely interest

[Stratherrick]

My apologies, I wasn't questioning the veracity of your OP, more that, as TH hinted at, there are undoubtedly fewer kiltmakers than in years past, I just wonder if the situation is terminal, though?

As with everything, the buyers' market will dictate the number of producers. So, let's all order a new one today!

Slainte

Bruce

[Paul Henry]

Well I'm all for more kilt orders!
I'm sure the situation isn't terminal,but it is one of those things that change,different people are wearing kilts, and they are made in lots of countries all over the world, so the kilt has many years to go before it's finished!

[Chas]

From what I have experienced myself, the vast majority of regular kilt wearers are part of the Tartan Army. By its very nature, the type of kilt worn by the Tartan Army is the cheaper, acrylic, easily washable and disposable variety. If it gets stained by beer or body fluids, or burned by careless cigarettes - what matter. Throw it away and buy another for under £50. One kilt = one season.

It is no different for football (soccer) fans. Every year the major teams bring out a new strip - the price is comparable. And nobody want to be seen wearing last year's strip, so they buy the new one.

Regards

Chas

[Geoff Withnell]

...“I cut by eye and then measure the material because that’s how I was taught." .. Not to run this lady down, but there is a difference between maintaining traditional methods, and passing down whatever bad habits your teacher may have had. Also the article states that she made about 200-250 kilts a year. That's 4-5 kilts a week. Isn't that a lot? I thought it took about 15 hours labor to make a kilt. That's 60-75 hours a week, week in, week out, year in, year out.

I wonder what they would define as a traditional kiltmaker? Would Matt Newsome qualify, or is he disqualified because of his location, and he will make box pleated kilts?

I hear stories of kiltmakers in Scotland whose lowest price approaches $1000. The market for this probably can't support more than about ten kiltmakers.


Just random thoughts.

Geoff Withnell

[Chas]

.. Also the article states that she made about 200-250 kilts a year.
Geoff Withnell

I just re-read the article. My, made in Scotland, hand stitched, 16oz, tank cost £300. 200-250 of those is £60,000 to £75,000 per annum. If it is true then why aren't more people doing it? Half of that is considered a very good income!

Maybe a pinch of salt required?

Regards

Chas

[McClef]

Please remember that the context is kiltmakers in Scotland folks.

But the article is kind of eye opening.