Need your thoughts about highland outfits in Scotland

**shamada** · 5th February 15, 07:00 AM

It's been a while to post on this site. I am in Glasgow right now for vacation. It is going to be on ex hire kilt and other Highland outfits sales at McCalls (Highland outfits shop in Scotland) this weekend. Is it worth to get Highland wear from McCalls or Slaters (another Highland and suits shops in U.K)? Or is it better to go Independent shops? Are there recommendations for those small shops in Glasgow or Edinburgh area? I am looking for a better deal or try to avoid a big ripoff.

I visited Isle of Skye. It was an amazing place. It was snowing and rapid changing of weather. It is so much fun. Thank you.

**Pipersson** · 5th February 15, 04:58 PM

You could try Macgregor and Macduff in Bathstreet.

**Jordan** · 5th February 15, 07:55 PM

Slater's in Aberdeen do great suits, however I don't know about their kilts.
McCalls on the other hand provided my first kilt. It was good but I didn't know any better!

My first kilt was an ill fitting, badly measured machine made monstrosity...

**shamada** · 6th February 15, 05:19 AM

Thanks for good information. I appreciate them.

**shamada** · 6th February 15, 05:22 AM

Thanks for good informations. I really appreciate them.

**shamada** · 7th February 15, 05:29 AM

I went to McCalls in Glasgow this morning. I got ex hire Argyll jacket for £50 and vest £25. They were good conditions. But I don't understand VAT tax 20%. For that reason, Scottland should be independent.

Yesterday, I went to Kilt 4 Less in Greenock. Along the way, I asked a direction to a lady handing out a booklet. She was kind enough showing me the direction. She was a beautiful blonde, blue eyed lady and belonged to Jehovahs witness. I thought life was so complicated or not?

My explore in Scotland continues...........

**cessna152towser** · 7th February 15, 06:45 AM

VAT is a European Union tax which all member countries of the European Community are required to collect although they have some limited scope to vary the actual percentage, so whether or not Scotland becomes independent of the United Kingdom VAT would still be payable.
Rule 5 prohibits discussion of whether Scotland should or should not become independent so I will say no more.

**OC Richard** · 7th February 15, 07:37 AM

It must be a wonderful thing to be able to be in Scotland during the height of the ex-hire sale season! I envy you.

Sadly most of these hire shops aren't interested in internet sales. Most of the shops that do list on the internet don't give specifics, asking you to call them. One year I spent much time on the internet and on the phone and got nothing. You really have to be there, it seems!

Another great thing there are the charity shops. A friend, who lived in Glasgow while at university, picked up many wonderful things, including a heavy tweed Inverness Cape for a few pounds.

About VAT, don't you fill out a form and get reimbursed? I seem to recall some procedure like that.

**cessna152towser** · 7th February 15, 07:53 AM

About VAT, don't you fill out a form and get reimbursed? I seem to recall some procedure like that.

That is correct.
You should tell the shop assistant that you are not resident in any of the European Union countries and that you are exporting your purchase to your home country. You will probably need to show them your Passport. Then you can fill in a form to re-claim the VAT.

**Cyd** · 7th March 15, 07:16 PM

You should get them to ship your kilt and jackets back to your home. You may have to pay an import duty, but you avoid VAT and it is always a cheaper alternative.

You have to be careful buying a kilt from the "independents" as you call them. Remember you are in the home of the kilt, and the more tourists a town attracts the more rubbish is produced to cater for them. The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is famously lined with what look like high end shops, most of them hocking rubbish for tourists.