Kiltmakers Edinburgh

[Blackrose87]

Thanks, I think I'll definitely look into Rendall's. Very reasonable prices for the high quality the kilts seem.
The only problem is that the mill they source their cloth from doesn't appear to stock Irish tartans. I think I'll get in touch with them and see if I can find a supplier from another mill

[piperdbh]

The only problem is that the mill they source their cloth from doesn't appear to stock Irish tartans. I think I'll get in touch with them and see if I can find a supplier from another mill

I don't know anything about Rendall's, but most kiltmakers get their fabric from wherever they can get it, and I'd imagine that if you ordered a kilt in tartan XYZ, then this establishment would do everything they could to find that tartan.

You asked about wearing a clan tartan or an Irish/district one. If it were me, which it's not, I'd wear the Irish tartan, or a county one. You're from Ireland, aren't you? To me, that would trump a very old and tenuous connection to a clan of which you are not really a part.

[rir179]

I think by now that Stewart of Rendells will of moved to Skye. Stewart can get hold of any of the Tartans, you just need to contact him.

[Blackrose87]

I don't know anything about Rendall's, but most kiltmakers get their fabric from wherever they can get it, and I'd imagine that if you ordered a kilt in tartan XYZ, then this establishment would do everything they could to find that tartan.

You asked about wearing a clan tartan or an Irish/district one. If it were me, which it's not, I'd wear the Irish tartan, or a county one. You're from Ireland, aren't you? To me, that would trump a very old and tenuous connection to a clan of which you are not really a part.

Thanks, aye I'd say I'll go for either the County Derry or the Ulster tartan, or I might even treat myself and get one of each

[fluter]

Thanks, aye I'd say I'll go for either the County Derry or the Ulster tartan, or I might even treat myself and get one of each

The Ulster tartan is lovely, either in the weathered colors (brown and tan predominating) or the red and green which approximate what the old tartan would have looked like originally. It is based on an artifact garment found in 1956.

For Derry, there are two---both of recent design and no "official" standing, but nice tartans.

one in the Marton Mills County Crest line: http://www.scotweb.co.uk/tartan/Derr...ty-Crest/16515

and Londonderry, from House of Edgar's Irish Counties line: http://www.scotweb.co.uk/tartan/Londonderry/20399

Your kiltmaker will be able to tell you what's available from the mills, what would have to be special-ordered, cost and quality info. With luck s/he will have swatches that you can see and feel. One consideration is the size of the tartan sett in a given fabric, which affects the look of the kilt and its pleats. IIRC most of the House of Edgar county tartans have a rather small sett, and the Marton range may be similar.

As for the clan tartans, there are many opinions. If you feel a particular kinship to a clan, or join a clan association, you may want to pursue it. Otherwise, there are lots of good-looking generic tartans to be had. Irish National, Scottish National, Caledonia, Holyrood (which commemorated HM QE2's silver jubilee; now here we are at the diamond jubilee). The list goes on.

For myself, i'm not Scottish; and most of my forbears had moved to Ireland before 1700 and to North America before 1800. Nonetheless, my mum was a Wallace, her gran was a MacGregor, and her gran was a Colquhoun. I wear the Wallace, but I also have plans for the Carolina tartan (see my avatar) adopted by my home state.

[piperdbh]

...I also have plans for the Carolina tartan (see my avatar) adopted by my home state.

That's a good plan. I have plans for a bias vest in Carolina, when I win my big money.

[Eck]

Being a Gillan, you may also wear the MacNab tartan.

[denmcdough]

How about trying Peter Reid, of Reid Kilts! I think he's in Glasgow, though. I have one of his kilts, and it's primo!!!!! Good luck on your decision!

[Kilted Craanen]

I've found Geoffrey Taylor to be very expensive. I recommend Gordon Nicholson (a bit further down the mile in the red building). Quality service and my kilt looks great! Sometimes a bit slow in responding though, but I've found that to be common.

[Blackrose87]

I think I'm going to go for Gordon Nicholson, as I just found out I can get 15% student discount. I suppose the responding time isn't a problem as I can just go into the shop if I have any questions.