Getting a handmade kilt... HELP!

[Paul]

Hi! My gran recently passed away and I received some money from her passing. I thought I'd spend it wisely on some things that should do me for the rest of my life so... Ive been thinking about getting a proper kilt for a few months now. I just basically got my whole outfit plus a casual kilt which fits pretty well last week but I want a specific tartan for future formal wear that I doubt many places will have in stock... and obviously a better quality of kilt.
For a hand-made 8 yard I was quoted around £150 by a place in Edinburgh - and that's with their commision so Im guessing I could get one for about that price, right?
Preferibly 8yard and I'd like the place to be in Glasgow or Edinburgh (although I could travel to other parts of Scotland like Dunfermline or Dundee for correct measurements - then it isnt my fault if it's too short or whatever!
Does anyone know of any reputable place that theyve dealt with before and had the perfect kilt?

Thanks if you help out!

[Atlanta Kiltie]

Hi Paul, welcome to X Marks the
Scott. I purchased my kilt outfit from the Scot Web www.scotweb.co.uk/kilts and have been nothing but satisfied. The owner is a member of this board and they are located in Edinburgh. Good luck

[skauwt]

Hector Russell's ,MacGregor and mac duff and Geoffrey (Tailor) to name just three all within a 5 min walk of each other in Glasgow city centre

[Paul]

Kool. Thanks for the help... are they really expensive though?

[skauwt]

well my younger brother bought a hand made one from MacGregor and mac duff for about 320 quid( i think) where as i went the cheap option and got a machine sewn one from hector Russell for 179 quid ( mines was discounted but its about 200 quid to get one now ) i just picked my kilt up on friday last week and I'm pleased with it ,
Ive yet to see my brothers kilt we both got the same family tartan as far as I'm aware his tartan was woven from the house of Edgar and mines was woven from marton mills I'm hoping to compare them both in a few weeks to see the differences with dyes used and style/technique in which it they where made

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Only you can decide what is expensive. But remember: You Get What You Pay For.

8 yards of fabric at a tenner a yard = 80 quid
8 hrs to make a kilt at 12 quid an hr=96 quid
total 176 quid
Shop mark up (profit) of 20%= 35.20
Cost to you 211.20 Pounds Sterling, Sir. Plus VAT.

As long as you are getting a 100% wool kilt, in a 16 ounce tartan, I would suggest that L200 is about what you should expect to pay.

[Paul]

Thanks again guys. £200 is ok... Ive already forked out for my Argyll jacket and stuff so the kilt should be od good quality too.
I'm looking at prices like £300 on most websites for my specific tartan because it's hard to get/make where as other are around £230

[David Dubh]

Paul, you could try tartanweb/scottishkilts.net, they advertise here. I ordered mine from them and I am very happy with it. They have a retail/rental store in Glasgow in Maryhill it's called St. Kilda, they should be able to measure you up so that you have the correct measurements to order on the web
Slainte
David

[Riverkilt]

Yikes!! You're in Scotland - ONLY deal directly with your kiltmaker - preferrably a member of the Traditional Kiltmaker's Guild. Why pay a middle man to have your kilt made by a faceless kiltmaker and risk errors??

The Traditional Kiltmaker's website is down for upgrade, but I'm sure if you emailed Kathy Lare www.kathyskilts.com who is also a member she can give you a list of Traditional kiltmakers in Scotland.

You may also wish to check with the Moray Textile Center - Formerly the Keith Kilt School. I'm sure they have a list of Traditional kiltmakers with proper credentials for you to select from.

Really important, if at all possible, to have the lady that sews your kilt also be the one who measures you for your kilt. Steer clear of fast talking merchants and find a Traditional Kiltmaker. You'll be sooo glad you did.

Ron

[Paul]

Thanks... and good point about dealing directly. I was advised by a friend to have the tartan made at a specific mill and then contact a specific kiltmaker (one individual). I like how his kilt looks and it seems to be very well-made but it cost him £400 in total