NEWRY DEMOCRAT - 28 February 2007

TRADITIONAL kilt wear is something usually associated with Scotland, but a Bessbrook-based company is making a name for itself as one of the leading kilt designers in Ireland.

Altnaveigh Tartan Enterprises is the only kilt designing company in Newry and Mourne and has recently made big inroads into the industry. Manager Austin McClay has seen the company a non-profit organisation grow in stature over the last three years and believes there is great potential for kilt wear across the country.

"Planning for the business began in 2004 and training of the kilt makers began later that year," explained Austin. "I came here in April 2005 with a view to pushing the business, so we started actually doing business from April 2005 onwards.

"We supplied our first pipe band in Newtownhamilton in June that year and have been working away since then."

The company specifically manufacture tartan kilts and supply other items of traditional kilt attire, including the jacket, sporran, waistcoat, shirt and tie everything that a pipe band needs.

"We also make traditional kilt costumes for individuals, such as for a wedding or people who want individual highland regalia for different functions or occasions," added Mr McClay.

"We have moved into making tartan curtains as well, because our business tends to be seasonal as the pipe band season runs only from May to September, so we have a gap between late August until the end of the year."

Austin said people wanting to buy a traditional kilt costume have had to travel to Scotland but insists highquality highland wear can now be bought much closer to home.

"In terms of quality, we certainly believe that our products are the best," he said.

"My background is shirt-making and we were always taught that if a mistake is made when making the shirt, it doesn't leave the building. Everything is checked to see it is perfect before we deliver to the customer."

To date, the company has kitted out four bands, including their very own Altnaveigh Memorial Band, and this week Mr McClay will travel to New Ross in Wexford to deliver a full set of costumes for the district pipe band.

"It is great to get an opportunity to let people see what we can do," he said.

"That's all we are asking for."

Since the company began, 15 people have been trained in the art of kilt making and currently work from home, but plans are well underway for a new purpose-built building in Newry.

"We're soon moving to a new building on the Downshire Road in where we will have a workroom and showroom and we would like to think we will be the first port of call if someone wants kilts on the whole island of Ireland.

"We also hope to set up a hire service where people can hire the costume for occasions, such as weddings. Down the line we would like to expand the business to America."

So what would Austin's advice be to a man considering wearing a kilt for a big occasion?

"I think they should try it," he insisted. "They should come along and talk to us and we'd be happy to fit them out and let them see how they feel. What they wear under the kilt is obviously the individual's choice!"

For further information, contact Austin on (028) 3083 8807 or log on to www.altnaveightartan.com