Balmoral purchase

**Father Bill** · 18th December 19, 02:35 PM

Excellent!

If I choose to go that way, it's a good option. I'd have to say "very dark navy blue" then.

Good advice!

**Dr Bee** · 19th December 19, 03:09 AM

Originally Posted by Arnot

If you would like, I would be happy to inquire with Mackie to see how to go about a direct purchase for you.

For the benefit of anyone in the UK, I recently tried to purchase direct from Mackie with no success and they referred me to a retailer I'd never heard of. Eventually I bought my Mackie Balmoral through the STA Online Shop although I did it over the 'phone. As my Balmoral was non-standard - black, black toorie and trailing ribbons - it had to be made to order. The guy at STA could not have been more helpful, the Balmoral arrived pretty quickly, about a week I think and it is indeed a magnificent specimen - well worth what I paid for it - which was £63. As this was in October 2018 it is possible Mackie and Co have changed their policy on direct ordering by now.

**Arnot** · 19th December 19, 03:52 AM

Originally Posted by Dr Bee

For the benefit of anyone in the UK, I recently tried to purchase direct from Mackie with no success and they referred me to a retailer I'd never heard of.

Thanks for pointing this out. They have indeed changed their policy. They did sell to the general public at one time, but have stopped doing so. I didn't ask why when I spoke to them (I just wanted to be sure I wasn't mixing them up with another supplier), but that's what I was told.

**imrichmond** · 19th December 19, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

I'll avoid B & S in the future. Unfortunately, they have the Canadian market tied up on some things, such as Locharron.

Actually, a number of highland retailers in Canada carry Lochcarron hose and flashes. I believe Lochcarron owns Burnett's & Struth, but they still supply other retailers in Canada. Perhaps B & S has the exclusive franchise for Ontario, but certainly not for the rest of country.

**Father Bill** · 20th December 19, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by imrichmond

Actually, a number of highland retailers in Canada carry Lochcarron hose and flashes. I believe Lochcarron owns Burnett's & Struth, but they still supply other retailers in Canada. Perhaps B & S has the exclusive franchise for Ontario, but certainly not for the rest of country.

Ah.

My understanding was that the others had to order via B & S.

**imrichmond** · 20th December 19, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Ah.

My understanding was that the others had to order via B & S.

Since B & S and Lochcarron (Canada) are really the same entity, it amounts to the same thing. The reason for my intervention was simply that your previous posting implied that B & S was the only retailer from whom Canadian customers could obtain Lochcarron products. This, I felt, was a bit misleading, given that various other retailers, including myself, carry Lochcarron products. I have ordered direct from Lochcarron (Canada) and have not so far received any notice that I cannot do so in the future. As I said, though, whether B & S or Lochcarron (Canada) is the wholesaler really makes no difference to either the retailer or the end consumer.

**Father Bill** · 20th December 19, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by imrichmond

Since B & S and Lochcarron (Canada) are really the same entity, it amounts to the same thing. The reason for my intervention was simply that your previous posting implied that B & S was the only retailer from whom Canadian customers could obtain Lochcarron products. This, I felt, was a bit misleading, given that various other retailers, including myself, carry Lochcarron products. I have ordered direct from Lochcarron (Canada) and have not so far received any notice that I cannot do so in the future. As I said, though, whether B & S or Lochcarron (Canada) is the wholesaler really makes no difference to either the retailer or the end consumer.

Well, it makes a difference to the end consumer if they are disorganized or misleading.

**Father Bill** · 13th January 20, 06:07 PM

Okay, it arrived late this afternoon and here it is:

Interestingly, it has a quilted lining - the last one I got from Ian was lined, but not quilted.

I'm using the non-clan badge I have in my drawer. It's dear old St. Andrew, and with that, this hat will be used largely in my role as Padre to the Legion and Cadets.

Hope you like it fellows. I do. I'm not clipping the ribbons for now, but maybe later....

Cheers all!