Kiltmaker to the Stars on TV

**Riverkilt** · 14th October 10, 05:08 PM

Did multiple searches and didn't find anything - hope its not duplicate.

Was just watching Current, a TV channel that had a program called Unseen UK and as one of the features was a visit to Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmaker.

Pretty fast paced, and showed mostly the modern kilts Howie is famous for.

Howie was called "Kiltmaker to the Stars" Told his blood runs plaid.

Howie pointed out that kilts were great for driving because driving kilted "crushes your nuts."

Most interesting, Howie told the story of how his family got into the kiltmaking business. He said his grandfather was stationed in Scotland with the Royal Air Force during WW2. His grandmother was stationed nearby as a WREN. He was the only Jewish member of the RAF in the area and she was the only Jewish WREN in the area. They met and married.

After the war she taught him kiltmaking and they opened a kiltmaking business which is now three generations old.

So, if you get Current tv check for the Unseen UK program with Max and Jason and see if the Kiltmaker visit is listed in the program specifics.

**Hamish** · 14th October 10, 05:56 PM

Ron,

Many thanks for that. I eventually tracked it down on line: http://current.com/shows/unseen/9245...-uk-part-5.htm

Actually, although I have not seen that particular piece of film before, it has to be at least four years old! The TFCK basement area beneath the Geoffrey (Tailor) shop was sold off and separated from the kilt business - I believe it is now an independently run Bar with its own entrance on The Royal Mile! Howie moved his business upstairs in the same building for a while, but for over a year has been in his own TFCK premises (48 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1EN).

I knew the family history of course, but that is the first time I have heard Howie talk about it publicly. Thanks again.

Take care,
Ham.

**Riverkilt** · 14th October 10, 07:11 PM

Great detective work Ham! I was wondering why the basement too. Hopefully a sign of good times to move upstairs.

**NewEnglander** · 14th October 10, 08:00 PM

I rather like Howie's response to those who ask why he's wearing the kilt...
(which I won't repeat here on this forum, but will certainly use the next time I'm out and about and asked...)

**Schiehallion** · 15th October 10, 03:49 AM

Thanks for that link. A few of my friends have his kilts!

**lethearen** · 20th October 10, 11:09 AM

Very nice! I'm going to have to try that sitting-on-the-floor trick!

**chewse** · 20th October 10, 11:22 AM

Very interesting....my wife and I went into Howie's shop this past summer. The prices were (are) fairly high but the shop had unique kilts and merchandise.