Westcoast kilts

**Colin** · 12th February 07, 11:51 AM

Well, after months of talking to Rob via email, I went and met up with Rob MacDonald on Friday to have a look at his kilts and likely order one. First let me say...great guy. He's got some great stories and the knowledge of kilts is incredible (just look at his website). He showed me his grandfather's Seaforth kilt from the great war. The faded colouring on this thing is awesome.

His kilts were really cool. I checked out the casual kilt he had done up and while it had some differences than the kilts I own, it was a great looking kilt. Rob doesn't have the buckle on the left side (underapron) but rather just has the military style of hold and fold for the inner apron. The outer apron only has one strap (as opposed to the ususal two), but again Rob makes a real good argument for this.

The 8 yard kilts looked awesome. He had one spread out on the table that he was pressing at the time. Rob is a very skilled kiltmaker and will make a kilt that everyone would be incredibly proud to wear.

Here is where the story gets funny (ish). I placed an order for the 5 yard casual that he and I had been discussing. I headed back to pick up by Dad at the hospital where he had an appointment and called my wife while I was waiting. Turns out that sometime in the past week or so, she had gotten an email from a company I have previously used advertising their prolonged sale. I guess she thought I had been holding off on ordering the Weathered MacKenzie 5 yard from them, so she ordered it for me as a Valentine's suprise. So I had to call Rob and explain the situation. I felt completely embarrassed, but at least I caught him before the order for the tartan went in. I might have to re-think the card and flowers this Valentines me thinks.

Great gesture on my wife's part, but I still want to sing Rob's praises given the customer service he provided, the quality of his products, and the knowledge of his craft.

If you guys are looking for an incredible kilt made by someone that has been making kilts for the military for years and who really knows their stuff, you have to check out Rob MacDonald at www.westcoastkilts.com

I will definitely look to Rob for a kilt in the future.

**Jeremiah** · 12th February 07, 12:08 PM

700 bucks for his basic model, ouch!

**Colin** · 12th February 07, 12:31 PM

Having seen it the kilts in person and comparing it to the other 16 oz wool kilt I own, I would pay that in a heartbeat. Given the knowledge and level of service you would get from Rob, and than the quality of kilt that would be the end result, you just can't make a fair comparison with the cheaper kilts.

There are dozens of companies that sell more cost effective kilts for wearing to the pub or for kicking around the house.

This is a kilt for wear when it really counts.

**RockyR** · 12th February 07, 01:20 PM

Keep in mind that $700 is CANADIAN dollars... That's about $595 USD

**Tattoo Bradley** · 12th February 07, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by RockyR

Keep in mind that $700 is CANADIAN dollars... That's about $595 USD

So, it actually falls right in line.

I remember his posts a few months back. Is he as animated as he comes across in his words?

**Colin** · 12th February 07, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Tattoobradley

So, it actually falls right in line.

I remember his posts a few months back. Is he as animated as he comes across in his words?

A bit, he was a real pleasure to meet in person, and I would love to have a few pints with him at the local kilt night. I had anticipated being there 5-10 minutes, but I think was there closer to 30-40. Some really good stories, and a great disposition. A good guy for sure, and his knowledge is incredible.

**Jeremiah** · 12th February 07, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by RockyR

Keep in mind that $700 is CANADIAN dollars... That's about $595 USD

Whoops, that makes sense now. I reiterate my previous statement about kiltmakers in Canada ( you have too many, share some with Texas!)

**turpin** · 13th February 07, 12:24 AM

He has really detailed instructions on pressing your kilt, and other care and maintenance. Good info.

**Gaisgeil** · 13th February 07, 06:25 AM

This guy is pretty funny.

"Far too many men wear their kilts too low on their legs. If you can’t see at least part of your knees in the mirror, your kilt’s too low. If you can’t see any leg at all then you are a girl and you are wearing a skirt."

I really love the idea of buying from a guy like this. Reminds me a lot of Matt Newsome, very knowledgable, helpful and a real advocate of the kilt.