Non clan tartan deals, with one hitch--HOS

**ForresterModern** · 29th October 10, 06:34 AM

Fo those who want nothing to do with the Gold Brothers' businesses read no further---yup, just close the thread and move on.

Otherwise, anyone intersted in what appear to be a couple decent deals on 16oz tartan in one of two Heritage of Scotland tartans should check out the two following ebay listings by their ebay store for their store brand HOS tartan and their store brand Heritage Black tartan, each for about 16gbp ($25US) per meter DW plus 10gbp shipping (normal price is 31gbp/m plus s/h to us ferners):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I kinda like the Heritage Black myself and would definitely consider wearing it, despite the HOS/Gold Bros connection, and figured some others might like the deals. Not bad to get 4 meters DW 16oz tartan for $102US plus another $16 shipping. Especially for those wanting to get into a heavyweight wool kilt at a reasonable price, this huge discount on tartan (compared to say $75 a yard for Strome) could put you in a handmade kilt at a reasonable price if you worked with one of the many kiltmaker on the forum to have them do the labor of the build up.

Only concern is that they will not list who is the manufacturer of the tartan---simply that it is custom woven for the HOS/Gold Brothers, but no by whom or where.

jeff

**OC Richard** · 30th October 10, 04:28 AM

Originally Posted by ForresterModern

Only concern is that they will not list who is the manufacturer of the tartan---simply that it is custom woven for the HOS/Gold Brothers, but no by whom or where.

Yes that does make one hesitate. Also, for the normal HOS they don't show a photo of the actual fabric, just a computer generated image. (The grey HOS has a photo of the fabric itself and it looks nice.)

**Nighthawk** · 30th October 10, 10:19 AM

Wish I had the funds to take advantage...

**ForresterModern** · 30th October 10, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

Yes that does make one hesitate. Also, for the normal HOS they don't show a photo of the actual fabric, just a computer generated image. (The grey HOS has a photo of the fabric itself and it looks nice.)

If you search around a bit on the HoS website you should be able to find a picture or three of the tartan made up as a kilt. Next time I get on their site I will look for one to link to.

The black is attractive while the blue/purple one is a bit too festive for my eye and taste, not that I haven't thought about it at that price.

j

**ForresterModern** · 30th October 10, 06:00 PM

Here is the link to the page at HOS with the tartan made up into a kilt:

http://www.heritageofscotland.com/Ki...73,product.php

**CaseyB** · 31st October 10, 01:51 PM

My wife has a kilt in the Purple Heritage of Scotland tartan and really loves it. Being a newb here I am unfamiliar with the problems regarding the Gold bros. Anyone care to enlighten me?

**ForresterModern** · 31st October 10, 04:20 PM

CaseyB

For full details you should do a search of "Gold Bros" or "Gold Brothers" utilizing the search function above.

In short they are a family of Pakistani origin who run numerous Royal Mile and off Royal mile shops, as well as weveral online shops, that are affectionately known to the licals as "tartan tat shops", typically selling low quality souvenir type goods and foreign made low quality pre-made kilts in inexpensive materials to unsuspecting but very willing tourists. They are not favorites with native scots or their neighboring businesses. They also have a history of some questionable business ethics.

Some of their goods are good quality, while a lot are tourist trap tat. Caveat emptor. Generally I don't think you can go wrong with standard quality items such as tartan material, although many think any business done with them is business that might be better spent with a more "reputable" and/or "authentic" scottish vendor. They are represented here on the forum by a woman named Heather I believe.

Hope this helps, and is considered politically correct by all parties involved.

jeff

**ronstew** · 2nd November 10, 02:37 PM

FWIW, my brother sought my advice on kitting up for his wedding. I tried to steer him towards a local kiltmaker, but also talked to him about HOS. He got a full Prince Charlie rig from HOS for less than the price of a locally-made kilt, and is happy with it.

**cessna152towser** · 2nd November 10, 04:40 PM

They are not favorites with native scots

As a native Scot I'd agree they are not my favourite kilt supplier but I can't fault them for value for money.
Plus their budget kilts have made kilts more affordable and more popular as casual wear in Scotland.

**BLHS209** · 3rd November 10, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

As a native Scot I'd agree they are not my favourite kilt supplier but I can't fault them for value for money.
Plus their budget kilts have made kilts more affordable and more popular as casual wear in Scotland.

Yes, I would agree with cessna152towser.

OK, my two cents. As I mentioned in my thread (http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...y-there-62365/), my father just got "one of those" kilts. For the amount of time that he will be kilted, it is a good value. Also, it seems to be fairly well made. Plus it will get him used to the kilt and then he can "better" choices in the near future. Yes, he is talking about another on already.

Chris Shepherd