Discover
The evolving craft of kilt making
Tartan is one of the most recognisable symbols of Scotland. With historical roots in the display culture of medieval Gaelic society, this living tradition has constantly evolved to suit the social and cultural landscapes of the moment.
In contemporary Scotland, kiltmaking remains a rich and varied industry. How are different makers bringing their own styles, methods, and meanings to the craft?
Watch the rest of the films in this series
The art of weaving tartan
Textiles are a major industry in Scotland. From small batch producers to large commercial mills, how do different mills approach the production of the nation’s most recognisable cloth?
Cloth of identity: designing tartan
Tartan has always been a cloth of identity. Its grid can be used to tell all manner of stories. How are today’s designers crafting these stories?
Discover tartan stories
Traditional Highland wear: A formal kilt suit
Fashion and textiles, Scotland
The kilt suit collected from Chisholms Highland Dress epitomises the traditional approach to Highland wear, familiar to many both within and outside Scotland. This formal silhouette is a popular choice among consumers. It is often…
For hire: Making Highland dress more accessible
Fashion and textiles, Scotland
The suit of Highland dress acquired from Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, Edinburgh, captures the company’s distinct approach to Highland wear for hire. The hire package centres on the ‘John Muir Way’ tartan. This pattern was designed by, and…
Prickly Thistle Scotland: A sustainable tartan mill
Fashion and textiles, Scotland
'Fire' was woven by Prickly Thistle Scotland for use in its sustainable clothing line. It represents an unconventional approach to tartan design and manufacturing in the 21st century. Unlike most tartans available in Scotland today, it has…