The quaich is a marvellous symbolic gift that is given to those to whom we wish to show our love, friendship, admiration or respect. It is also a distinctively Scottish gift that is appreciated by all around the world.

The word “quaich” comes from the Gaelic word “cuach”; meaning cup. They are shallow bowls with two short handles at opposite sides. They were traditionally made of wood but other materials were used depending on availability. Other materials used were stone, horn, and as metals became more commonly used, brass, pewter and silver. In some instances the quaich was made from a combination of materials. A common marriage was carved wood inlaid with pewter or silver.

The quaich originated in the Highlands but did not become popular throughout Scotland until 1745, when the quaich travelled from the North of Scotland with the armies of Bonnie Prince Charlie. This took the quaich as far south as Edinburgh and Derby. These quaichs were said to have glass bottoms so the person sipping a dram could keep an eye on those around them. A more romantic quaich had a double glass bottom in which was kept a lock of hair so that the owner could drink from his quaich to his lady love. In 1589, King James VI of Scotland gave Anne of Denmark a quaich or “loving cup” as a wedding gift.

Although some quaichs had glass bottoms for the suspicious among us, the quaich has overwhelmingly been seen as a cup of friendship. The quaich was used for a visitors welcome or farewell dram by Clan chiefs and wealthy merchants, and the humble crofter. Today many people offer welcome toasts using the quaich but most give them as a gift to those they hold dear. They are displayed in homes all over the world and reminds everyone of friendship.

In another first for us at Kiltmakers.co.uk we now have a limited stock of Black Leather Sporrans at a remarkable 50% off the normal price.

This black leather sporran suitable for all manner of outfits and is usually worn at day events.

Take a look at this fantastic offer

We’re proud to bring you this deal but we must stress that stocks are limited. As Scotland’s leading retailer of Highland Wear we’re confident that you can’t beat our range of sporrans - view the full range of Day, Dress and Semi-Dress Sporrans. (If you’re not sure of the difference - we’ve written an easy to follow Buyers Guide.)

Jan 25th sees Scottish folk toast the life of Robert Burns, born 1759 in Alloway, just 150 miles South of us here in Aberdeen.

The annual celebration of his life, poems and songs will be celebrated across Scotland tonight and over the coming weekend. Our cold winter evenings will be warmed with formal Burns suppers, where the great Bard’s life will be celebrated and his poetry read out loud.

To enjoy your own Burns Supper - all you need is a place to gather, plenty of haggis, neeps and tatties, a bunch of friends, a master of ceremonies, and good Scotch drink to ward off the bitter northern winds. These ingredients will ensure a good giggle as you try to do justice to great words and spirit of Robbie Burns.

Ideally, everyone should bring along some of Rab’s poetry to read out or maybe a song to sing (there’s plenty on the Internet.) In this way everyone gets involved and can take turns in being the object of amusement to all gathered. It’s not hard to see why this tradition has been continued for so long - Burns Suppers are always fun - often eye-watering funny.

For the majority of us, Burns is best known and most often sung song, reminding us that Burns is a poet of friendship. Auld Lang Syne is now generally sung at the end of a convivial evening and at New Year the world over.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Tho’ they return with scars?
hese are the noble hero’s lot
Obtain’d in glorious wars
Welcome, my Varo, to my breast
Thy arms about me twine
And make me once again as blest
As I was lang syne

Methinks around us on each bough
A thousand cupids play
Whils thro’ the groves I walk with you
Each object makes me gay
Since your return the sun and moon
With brighter beams do shine
Streams murmur soft notes while they run
As they did lang syne

A very happy birthday Robbie Burns!

Wow… Our first Christmas at Kiltmakers.co.uk and boy were we busy! So busy in fact that we’ve hardly a moment to update our news section.

Over the holiday we’ve added a raft of new gift ideas - more on these in the next few days. First things first though - a word about our new Engraving Service.

Has someone you know recently become a parent, passed their driving test, graduated or maybe become engaged? We’ve a great idea for a truly personal gift.

All our Tankards, Quaichs, Flasks and many other gifts can now be engraved with your own message for just £5.00. The initial customer comments have been fantastic - here’s just one example.

“Thankyou for supplying the items i requested, the turn around time
was tight and they were delivered on time and were very good quality” G Wilson

To order engraving it couldn’t be easier - simply place an item you would like into your basket and you can choose the engraving option:

Remember: Many customers also combine engraving with our Premium Gift Wrap service.

A big thank you to all who replied to our ‘How did we do’ e-mail asking if you’re happy with the service you’ve received. We are always pleased to get feedback from our customers so we know how and where we can improve and make shopping at kiltmakers.co.uk a pleasant experience. Here are a few of the reviews we’ve had…

A.D wrote on Monday 17th September
Value for money: 4
Delivery: 5
Communication: 5

Comments:
very prompt service and good follow up phone call. would definately reccommend to others. thanks.

M.B wrote on Tuesday 18th September
Value for money: 5
Delivery: 5
Communication: 5

Comments:
great shirt,good price,delivery as scheduled.

M.R Wrote on Saturday 17th October
Value for money: 5
Delivery: 5
Communication: 5

Comments:
I was very pleased with the order and the service from yourselves. I will not hesitate to use your site for any other items I require in the future.

M.A wrote on Sunday 28th October
Value for money: 4
Delivery: 5
Communication: 5

Comments:
really pleased with your service

A.M wrote on Tuesday 30th October
Value for money: 5
Delivery: 5
Communication: 5

Comments:
Well done we will come back again

L.L wrote on Tuesday 30th October
Value for money: 5
Delivery: 5
Communication: 5

Comments:
Your service is fantastic I wish all internet sellers were like you.