How to buy a kilt - the way it used to be done

[Pleater]

One reason for the processing being done in England could be the water quality - the same reason my kilts survived, as the water in South Yorkshire is very 'soft', it lathers easily and doesn't form a scum with soap.
There was always a box of Lux soapflakes by the big sink, all the woollen things were washed with that, carefully dissolved in warm water then the cold tap run to bring the temperature down to just tepid.

I suspect that the inner part of the kilt was linen as it was slightly glossy - polished by decades of wear.
It had a new lining made from a pillowcase and sewn in rather badly - my mum wasn't at all handy with a needle, unlike her mother who was absolutely brilliant at all sorts of making and mending.

Anne the Pleater

[figheadair]

One reason for the processing being done in England could be the water quality

No, it's nothing to do with that and everything to do with economies of scale. Scouring is required for all grades of wool, not just that used for tartan in Scotland. There is simply not the market to justify establishing a Scouring Mill in Scotland.

[Jock Scot]

No, it's nothing to do with that and everything to do with economies of scale. Scouring is required for all grades of wool, not just that used for tartan in Scotland. There is simply not the market to justify establishing a Scouring Mill in Scotland.

Now that makes complete sense to me...........unfortunately.