So we have discovered that the history of kilts and tartan is filled with drama & debate, spanning the Scottish highlands to royal courts, witnessing countless defining moments, surviving prohibition and deceptive romanticism to evolve into the globally renowned versions that we recognise today. And here we ourselves step up - but not as petty marketeers trying to cash in or make a fast profit - quite the contrary.
Our founder, Gordon, tentatively opened Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers from very humble beginnings in 2009 in the hope of building a viable local business capable of creating enough demand and regular income to ensure the traditional craft of handsewn kiltmaking was not lost in the pursuit of profit. Since that beginning, each kilt has been made to the highest quality, tailored to last a lifetime. As our reputation grew, demand for authentically handmade kilts and highlandwear increased. Simultaneously so did the risks to our homegrown industry and its small community of makers and suppliers, caused by an influx of imported, cheaply-produced inferior goods. Gordon sensed a crisis was looming and early in 2016 , having more to gain than loose - he realised an ambitious, but dearly held dream by opening the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy. His intention was simple but daunting - to develop & formalise a new standardised kiltmaking qualification, in order to share skills, build a workforce, bolster the industry and inspire future generations of passionate kiltmakers.
The Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy and Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers are now wed in symbiotic harmony - producing the finest kilts available, crafted by our skilled artisans trained to the highest standards. We are committed to ensuring that kiltmaking remains a vibrant and thriving craft, especially in light of its recent Endangered classification by the Heritage Craft Association. We believe that a kilt is not simply a piece of clothing, but an emblem of our culture and heritage. We are proud to use 100% wool tartans and tweeds expertly oven in Scotland's finest mills, and to offer a wide range of beautiful tartans, some traditional and well-known, others modern & fresh, including a range of our own exclusive tartan designs. We welcome customers from all over the world who love and appreciate our culture and celebrate it by wearing our kilts. Despite the challenges of the present, including global pandemics and economic recessions, we remain optimistic about the future of kiltmaking. We are committed to protecting and promoting the craft and sharing our passion with future generations. It's inspiring to witness the ongoing appeal of Scottish heritage across the globe, and we're eager to contribute to the evolution of kiltmaking in the years to come.
The resilience of tartan and the enduring appeal of kilt-wearing thus far have surely proven their credentials. Whatever the challenges ahead, the future looks bright, the future is tartan!
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