Seen on the Utilikilts yahoo group:



http://www.theherald.co.uk/business/10923.html

Tartan army contract is big boon for kiltmaker

ALISON CHIESA March 01 2004

SEAS of patriotic sports fans bedecked in replica team shirts in
support of their favourite clubs may soon be a tradition of the past
if a Scottish businesswoman has her way.
For Margaret Donnelly has secured a two-year licence agreement to
provide the Scottish Football Association with an official Scotland
supporter's kilt.
Donnelly, 40, hit upon her novel business idea following a joke with
the best man at a friend's wedding in August of last year.
She explained: "The best man told me he didn't quite like the tartan
kilt he was wearing. I knew he was a Celtic supporter and said 'I
bet if it was made of green and white hoops you'd be glad to wear
it', and he agreed.
"That conversation planted the seed of my idea. Through research, I
found no other company marketed such an item – and it was then I
realised I'd hit upon a niche market."
Donnelly, from Strathaven, south Lanarkshire, is now in negotiations
with the Scottish Rugby Union and some Premierleague football clubs,
including Celtic and Rangers, in a bid to supply their supporters
with official kilts.
"The intention is to update traditional Scottish tartans so that
fans can be proud to wear team colours, as well as continuing to
support the traditional kilt," she said.
After securing investment from a local businessman, Donnelly, who
has a background in sales and administration, establish Club Kilts
last October.
She added: "Things have just been moving so fast. I already have
advanced orders for more than 50 kilts and enquiries are continuing
to come in every day, not just from Scotland, but from as far afield
as the United States, Kuwait and France."
Colin Banks, brand manager at the SFA, said: "Initial reactions to
the kilt have been fantastic. It is bold, different and modern – yet
shows the traditional kilt still has its place in the market."