Another protectionist kilt article from "The Scotsman"

[SteveB]

At the local vendor of age restricted beverages...
Whisky = Product of Scotland
Whiskey = Products outwith of Scotland.
I guess they got that one right.

Every year that I have attended the Highland Games here, I have found that there are vendors of various "kilts"

Vendor of hand sewn made to measurewool tartan kilts. Plenty of Swatch books, a display of sample products, a display of kilt accessories. His tent is almost exclusively Scot manufactured, originated, packaged product. Some outwith Scotland, but still of the U.K.

Vendor of Tartan kilts made in Scotland. Hand sewn in one price range, machine/hand in another range. Uses various mills of wool. sells kilt accessories, that include kilt pins, cap badges, and buckles made outside the U.K. All products clearly display the place of manufacture.

Vendor of tartan kilts, that are all off the peg. 24" drop only. "designed in Scotland" of a mystery fabric and also sells almost any object that has room enough for a Saltire sticker to placed somewhere on it as "Scottish" goods. Nowhere is there a place of origin label to be found.

Vendor of Utilikilts. Plainly advertised as made in U.S.A. for the American Man.

A booth of several kiltmakers that hand sew kilts in the traditional manner, most with swatch books and a "fact sheet" listing names and contact information of their recent customers. Some specializing in box pleat, some in knife pleat and others also interested in sewing for the younger males of the family. (Adjustable pleats, and adjustable hem designed for the fast growing boy.)


When it comes time for me to part with my Greenbacks or Sterling, it will be with the vendors that honestly display their products. After several years the vendors of quality proudly displayed have grown in the materials they show and SELL. The vendors of the mystery materials seem to be setting up smaller and smaller each year as they are taking most of their product with them when they leave. The marketplace seems to be working very well.

Slainte

[BoldHighlander]

At the local vendor of age restricted beverages...
Whisky = Product of Scotland
Whiskey = Products outwith of Scotland.
I guess they got that one right.

I thought that was the case too, Steve, until I saw this thread, of a trip to this American distillery, then I got really confused

[Burly Brute]

Considering I am the owner of a kilt (purchased 3 weeks ago, not my own tartan) and that I have been a member on here for about 3 days, I feel that I have the authority to offer my two cents. Haha.

I definately agree with the label deal for online stuff especially, I REALLY dont want to order anything, ever, ever, online. I HATE IT! ( i have to sometimes).

As for the other stuff, I know I went to the store several times before I made my purchase, researched what I could online, and then lucked out and got it on sale because the owner decided to close the shop for personal issues. To me, I think it would be nice if they could manufacture a decent kilt, maybe on assembly line or what have you, and at an affordable price. If every kilt maker, whether Scot or not, just took pride in their work it wouldnt be an issue.

And then there is the aspect of actually getting to feel, look, and try it on in person. That helped sway my purchase. I think even a novice such as my self can tell whether its a light cotton with 4 pleats or not! haha.

I dont know, its tough. I envy all of you with far more knowledge than I on the subject, but like I said...i hate online...haha.

Maybe they need a label that says, "please visit xmarksthescot.com prior to purchase"

-Zach

[McClef]

At the local vendor of age restricted beverages...
Whisky = Product of Scotland
Whiskey = Products outwith of Scotland.
I guess they got that one right.

Here in the UK Whiskey (with the e) would indicate that it was an Irish product.

Others would be spelt Whisky but still have to indicate their country of origin. Only Whisky from Scotland may display "Scotch Whisky" on the label.

[Jock Scot]

Here in the UK Whiskey (with the e) would indicate that it was an Irish product.

Others would be spelt Whisky but still have to indicate their country of origin. Only Whisky from Scotland may display "Scotch Whisky" on the label.

Precisely! And we have gone full circle. What I take Mr Hawthorne to say is why not have a label saying "Scots kilt" meaning the same thing as "Scotch Whisky" and having the same legal meanings and sanctions. The non Scotch whisky producers from around the world---even China I gather, whilst perhaps not liking the distinction seem to get by perfectly well. Why not the same with kilts?

[RockyR]

Precisely! And we have gone full circle. What I take Mr Hawthorne to say is why not have a label saying "Scots kilt" meaning the same thing as "Scotch Whisky" and having the same legal meanings and sanctions. The non Scotch whisky producers from around the world---even China I gather, whilst perhaps not liking the distinction seem to get by perfectly well. Why not the same with kilts?

Yes, but what SHOULD the criteria be for a "Scots Kilt"? How "Scots" is enough to get that label? Should it be 100% of Scottish product? 90%? 50%?

I'm interested to hear your take on it, Jock. I think we agree that there could be a "Scots Kilt" label, but what would define it is would probably take issue with Mr. Hawthorne.

[CMcG]

Yes, but what SHOULD the criteria be for a "Scots Kilt"? How "Scots" is enough to get that label? Should it be 100% of Scottish product? 90%? 50%?

<snip>

I imagine that a legal designation of "Scots Kilt" would follow the precedent of the most current Scotch Whisky Regulations (2009). I'm posting the link to the entire act but I'll quote the text of the definition here too.

Notice that it doesn't say other whisk(e)y isn't whisk(e)y. It just stakes out what Scotch Whisky is.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2.../contents/made

Definition of “Scotch Whisky” and categories of Scotch Whisky

3.—(1) In these Regulations “Scotch Whisky” means a whisky produced in Scotland—

(a)that has been distilled at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley (to which only whole grains of other cereals may be added) all of which have been—

(i)processed at that distillery into a mash;

(ii)converted at that distillery into a fermentable substrate only by endogenous enzyme systems; and

(iii)fermented at that distillery only by the addition of yeast;

(b)that has been distilled at an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 94.8 per cent so that the distillate has an aroma and taste derived from the raw materials used in, and the method of, its production;

(c)that has been matured only in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 litres;

(d)that has been matured only in Scotland;

(e)that has been matured for a period of not less than three years;

(f)that has been matured only in an excise warehouse or a permitted place;

(g)that retains the colour, aroma and taste derived from the raw materials used in, and the method of, its production and maturation;

(h)to which no substance has been added, or to which no substance has been added except—

(i)water;

(ii)plain caramel colouring; or

(iii)water and plain caramel colouring; and

(i)that has a minimum alcoholic strength by volume of 40%.

(2) In these Regulations—

“Single Malt Scotch Whisky” means a Scotch Whisky that has been distilled in one or more batches—
(a)at a single distillery;
(b)from water and malted barley without the addition of any other cereals; and
(c)in pot stills;
“Single Grain Scotch Whisky” means a Scotch Whisky that has been distilled at a single distillery except—
(a)Single Malt Scotch Whisky; or
(b)a Blended Scotch Whisky;
“Blended Malt Scotch Whisky” means a blend of two or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies that have been distilled at more than one distillery;“Blended Grain Scotch Whisky” means a blend of two or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies that have been distilled at more than one distillery; and“Blended Scotch Whisky” means a blend of one or more Single Malt Scotch Whiskies with one or more Single Grain Scotch Whiskies.