Greatest of respect to all advertisers here but the OP seems to be interested in a more in-person retail experience:
Hi Cainam,
I live in Glasgow and I am familiar with pretty much all of the kilt retailers and hire outlets here. I have bought a number of things over the years starting with hiring and then I purchased the kilt which I had hired 3 times from them because I realised I would save money in the long run. Their customer service is very good but like a lot of the retailers who have more than one outlet, their staff are perhaps a little inexperienced and will promote outfits in line with the usual hire lines so expect ruche tie, white or black socks standard made items etc. The Kings Club package seems interesting but I feel certain I could put together the same or better by shopping around.
Most of the retailers in Scotland will farm out their kiltmaking so the same options are normally available from all and sundry in respect of kilts but jackets and accessories can vary somewhat although hire stock seems to be roughly the same. Their dedicated ex-hire shop is usually a bit on the expensive side and when I wanted to purchase an ex-hire jacket for someone recently during a spate of ex-hire sales around Glasgow, they could not match what other retailers were offering.
The packages seem like good value but I would advise you to spend the majority of the money on the made to measure kilt and hunt around for a bargain in jackets and waistcoat and accessories from ebay, gumtree, ex-hire sales etc.
Now, I think you will get good service from M & M if you go but you might want to consider two retailers who I have been very pleased with:
MacLeod Highland Supplies on Bridgegate in Glasgow do a lot of trade with the Pipe Band community and can supply pretty much anything. They don't do hire so you will find them much more experienced with the discerning kilt buyer.
For a better understanding of where your money goes and a great shopping experience in person, I would point you towards Houston's of Paisley. Their website gives lots of options for tartan, weight etc with prices and there are a number of kilt finishes (handmade, machine made, bit of both etc) with different options explained fully. Regarding buckles, my weight goes up and down so rather than have 3 buckles (one at the hip), my kilt was made for growth with a double set of buckles and longer straps meaning the the kilt can come in or out by about 6 inches and can even be tightened slightly at the back by pulling the buckles closer together without stretching the fabric at the front out of shape. An option to consider if you want a kilt for life. Take a look at their website:
http://www.kiltmakers.com
Don't know if it will happen again in 2004 but when I purchased my kilt in February, there was a sale on for 20% off all new kilts. I think this is their quiet season so they may do this again but don't hold me to that. Worth remembering anyway. They will also give you a free one time hire of all accessories with any new kilt purchase.
Hope this is useful.
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