The Royal Mile

[Brian K]

From the first, I stated that what I'm for is the banning of the importation of bagpipes, sporrans, and kilts of non-UK make into the UK for resale. This does not affect personal use.

How many Britt Ferguson sporrans and Barbara Tewksbury kilts are imported into Scotland for resale? I don't know, but off the top of my head I would guess very few.

Thank you for this, Richard. I tried making this point earlier, but I think you have stated it a bit more clearly. Barb Tewksbury, Kathy Lare, Matt Newsome, Lady Chrystel, et al. make one off, bespoke garments instead of off the peg garments for the retail trade. Those who buy their kilts know exactly what they are getting because they have sought them ought for exactly what they are famous for.

I don't know if I would go so far as an outright ban on importation of items for resale, but I think strong truth in labeling laws that leave no room for fudging the details with phrases like "designed in Scotland" would go a long way towards helping with the "tartan tat" problem.

Unfortunately there will always be a market for cheap trash because some people don't really care about the details. Those people will never buy the good stuff because they don't want to pay the price. Banning "tat" will just mean that that stuff is not bought, not that more of the high quality material is purchased, I'm afraid.

I think what is really needed, along with truth in labeling, is a public education campaign. Any ideas, anyone?

Regards,

Brian

[robthehiker]

Unfortunately there will always be a market for cheap trash because some people don't really care about the details. Those people will never buy the good stuff because they don't want to pay the price. Banning "tat" will just mean that that stuff is not bought, not that more of the high quality material is purchased, I'm afraid.

I'm not sure if it's "unfortunate" but this is bang on. There is a huge market for cheap souvenirs like insta-kilts, "see you Jimmy" hats and £20 kilts. If a law was enacted that prevented the import of such goods, I'm sure that entrepreneurs (local or otherwise) would rush to fill the void.

I wonder too if the goods from this store would be allowed under such a proposed law. Made in Scotland AND only £20? They must be good!