Surprises inside a custom Scottish-made kilt

[The Wizard of BC]

There are some details about this kilt that I learned from the owner, and from the kilt itself, that I would like to pass on.

We hear almost every day about how stuff made, 'back then', was better than stuff is made today. Some point to the Tartan Tat explosion in Scotland as an example.
We also hear how bespoke, high end shops, produce better goods.

I strongly suspect (and it is also my personal opinion) that this is not the product of cutting corners or of having to keep up with the competition. To me this is the product of an industry operating without any competition.

This kilt was made 11 years ago. I suspect that this was the state of bespoke kiltmaking at that time. Unlike the four other kilts I have examined from similar Scottish bespoke shops where it is plain that they are trying to keep costs down to compete with Tartan Tat.

When the customer walked into the shop the Kiltmaker was called from the back to come out and measure him in person. This was not a large scale 'factory' situation but a high end shop with sales people out front and kiltmakers on staff, full time, in the back.

The kiltmaker was reputed to be the head kiltmaker for the shop and fully trained but I do not know where or by whom.

I was told that this kilt cost just less than £745.00 GBP at the time. The Glasgow Rangers Tartan was an, in stock, off the shelf, fabric for this shop. This did include shipping from Scotland to Victoria, Canada.
This kilt was sold as part of a 'package'. I have not seen the other items but was told the package included a Prince Charlie Coatee, Tux shirt and bow-tie. Dirk Belt and Waistplate with Clan Crest, Dress Seal Sporran, Clan Crest Kilt pin, Pure white Hose and Red flashes, and finally Ghillie Brogue shoes. I was told that the cost for the entire package was just over £1600.00.
It is possible that this is an example of the notorious "Tourist price for a Tourist package".

The fabric was woven on a single width loom and has 'floats' at the selvedge 1/4" long.

This kilt has been worn, on average, three times a year since it was purchased. It has not been able to be worn for the past two years due to a weight loss.

This kilt is worn 'Regimental'. The proof is permanently there inside the inner apron.