I have seen leather straps used with older kilts. How old, I don't know, but certainly in the tens of years. Kinloch Anderson used to use leather straps embossed with 'KA' in monogram and Celtic motif surrounding. I seem to remember that the leather holding the buckle was wider, or flared out wider (can't remember which) to show the words Kinloch above and Anderson below. That was, of course, the time when their buckles were cast and had the words Kinlock Anderson stamped on.

I have noticed that leather straps are being used by a variety of kiltmakers, but usually, at the moment, at the lower end of the market.

So, once at the top, now creeping back up?

Regards

Chas