Kiltmakers in Edinburgh, questions . . .

[Martin S]

I shall be having a brief visit to Edinburgh soon.
Does anyone know which shop would have the widest selection of samples to look at?
I am tempted by several tartans I have seen on web photos, but I'd much prefer to see the real thing.
The price some shops charge to send a few inches of swatch I find exorbitant.

Martin

[McClef]

Certainly Hector Russell and the Celtic Craft centre have plenty of swatch books for your perusal Martin!

[Rampant Lion]

I bought my kilt from the Celtic Craft Centre back when it was still in San Francisco. Though I only have the one kilt, this one is very well made; it only has two buckles and no belt loops, but that's because a belt isn't need it fits so well. And it was made in Scotland and then shipped to the US. When I needed a little repair done (caught my kilt on something and a seam thread came loose) they fixed it for no charge. I recommend them.

[Joseph McLaren]

I must add my recommendation for Stewart Christie, 63 Queen Street. I've just returned from a kilt-buying trip to Edinburgh and found Stewart Christie's service absolutely impeccable~ although, until I return for the second fitting, I can't speak definitively about the quality of the product! I ordered a made-to-measure kilt in McLaren Weathered Strome, as well as a charcoal tweed Braemar with waistcoat, and picked up a pair of the best ghillie brogues I've seen, by Cheaney.

I spent a few days looking at the various shops on the Royal Mile and elsewhere, but plumped for Stewart Christie for a few reasons: there wasn't a single tea-towel, fridge magnet or tin of shortbread in sight; the service was attentive and courteous without the merest hint of high-pressure salesmanship; nothing in the shop was anything less than excellent quality.