College of Piping Kilt Prices

[MacSpadger]

Does anyone have any expeience with ordering a kilt from the College of Piping in Glasgow?
I went to Geoffrey Kiltmakers in Sauchiehall St today and asked about a heavyweight (16 oz) hand stitched kilt, with tartan from the Lochcarron Mills. I was quoted £560.

At the College of Piping I asked from the same thing, a hand stitched 8 yard 16oz kilt, with fabric from the Lochcarron Strome range and was quoted £294.95. I asked the shop assistant, Gary, if he was sure. He said he'd double check with the supplier. He emailed me later to confirm that was the correct price for a handstitched 8yd kilt with a 16oz Lochcarron fabric, £294.95.

That's a staggering price difference. The CoP link is here, for both machined and hand stitched kilts.