Quote Originally Posted by KennyB
Much as I fear disputing anything said by Hamish (I've been lurking on this board for months) reading this made my blood boil so much I've just had to join this board to reply!

Last year I bought a jacket from Geoffrey Tailor which was far from the cheapest around but I thought I'd be getting quality. As suggested, I even asked them if it was made in Scotland and not an import from India or wherever the junk ones come from. They told me it was indeed hand-made in Scotland. Even when new I was a little disappointed with the fit. But far worse was that within weeks it was starting to split at the seams.

On my next trip to Edinburgh I returned it and demanded a refund, which they gave me without much fuss. But whilst moaning to the sales assistant, it 'came out' (I think they were a bit disgruntled!) that the jacket was not in fact made in Scotland at all! Apparently they import them from overseas and then just sew their own buttons and labels on. This means they can legally describe them as made in Scotland!

This may be legal, but in my book it's anything but reputable. If I hadn't been in a hurry I'd have kicked up a hell of a stink, and now I wish I had. I've been fuming about it ever since. I especially hate that I was effectively lied to an conned, even when I asked them a direct question. How can anyone trust a firm like that? So I think Hamish should know about this and maybe ask them some pointed questions next time he's in touch with his favourite firm. Because in my book they're a bunch of dishonest sharks.
Kenny,

First of all, welcome to "X Marks.." It is always good to hear at last from those who have lurked on the sidelines for a while.

Thank you for what you have told us of your experiences with Geoffrey (Tailor) in Edinburgh, which I simply cannot relate to - but we all must speak as we find. In spite of how things might appear, I have absolutely no business interest or connection with that company apart from the fact that I currently have in my wardrobe 11 superb kilts, three wonderful contemporary kilt suits, a grey tweed Argyll jacket, a Prince Charlie dress jacket and waistcoat, several sporrans and numerous pairs of kilt hose all purchased from Geoffrey or his son, Howie at "TFCK", over the past four and a half years.

Every one of those garments/accessories is faultless and gives me enormous pleasure. Geoffrey, his family and his staff members have unfailingly given me first class service and attention and, on the strength of MY experience, I recommend them to anyone who seeks the product quality and service I have come to expect.

I am truly very concerned to hear that you have reason to think of the Company differently, and I shall certainly question a family Director of the firm as to the true origin of their jackets. I am aware that they do not tailor jackets themselves - very few kiltmakers do, since traditional kiltmaking is such a uniquely specialised skill requiring several years of training. Bespoke jacket tailoring work is subcontracted to equally qualified specialists in their own field. Perhaps your jacket was off-the-peg and not tailored to measure, I would not know. Perhaps, some jackets are bulk purchased - again, I would not know.

What matters here is that it seems you were misinformed by a member of the sales staff when you made your purchase, and I am sure that Geoffrey and/or Laura Nicholsby would like to know about that. Did you write to the Managing Director or his wife about this experience? If not, I think you should have done.....perhaps it is still not too late to do so.

Again Kenny, I am so saddened to read what you have told us here.