I ordered a new casual vest and waistcoat from a small shop run by a great kiltmaker here in NYS. The thing is I ordered it a year ago. I keep getting told she gets continually ignored by the shops in Glasgow because she is small and does not order much. Their priority is big orders, like pipe bands and the such.

Is this really the case? Are the shops across the pond experiencing the same skilled labor problems we are in the states to the point that they cannot handle all the orders, including from small shops? I look at some of the larger shop web sites that suggest they would have special order jackets and waistcoats in anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks.

I am a patient sort of fellow and believe in helping small shops when I can. I have to figure out whether to leave my order with her (I've put $200 U.S. down), order something different from somewhere else, get my money back and try and get better service from a larger shop, or just get two different colors, one sooner than later?

It is very perplexing, as I do not want to lose a friend. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Frank