Highland Wear: Kilts

• What is the smallest size of kilt?
• What is a sporran?
• How long does it take to make my kilt?
• What is the difference between medium and heavy weight?
• Where are your kilts made?
• How do I clean a kilt?
• Do you hire out kilts?
• Do you supply kilts for children?
• Why was the kilt outlawed?
• What is a Feileadh Mor kilt?
• What is the proper length to wear a kilt?
• Do I have to be Scottish to wear a kilt?
• What do I wear under the kilt?

What is the smallest size of kilt?

The smallest size of kilt we provide for hire is 18 inches around the waist and 10 inches long. All of our new kilts are made-to-measure and this would be about the smallest size available due to the quality and thickness of the cloth. This size would fit a child aged 18 months - 2 years. We also sell ready made tartan skirts in small sizes that are very similar to a kilt. Contact us for further details.

What is a sporran?

A sporran is a pouch or bag that hangs at the front of the kilt and is used for storage. In times gone by it would likely carry a hip flask and other traditional accessories. In sporrans today, you are more likely to find an MP3 player and a mobile phone! Here is our full range of sporrans.

How long does it take to make my kilt?

Approx 6 to 8 weeks. We are a company that is fortunate to have our own in-house kiltmaker (see below) with years of experience who makes every kilt by hand. This means we produce the highest quality kilts available, made from the highest quality materials. There are factors that may very occasionally extend that timescale.
To find out more, go to the Kilt Buyers Guide - Part 2. It can be found in the Buyer's Guide section.

What is the difference between medium and heavy weight?

The simple answer to this question is 3oz. To expand, heavy weight cloth is woven to 16oz / yard which 3oz per yard more than the medium weight cloth. To find out how this affects the kilt, have a look at the Kilt Buyer's Guide - Part 1 that can be found in the Buyer's Guide section.

Where are your kilts made?

Our kilts are made on the premises of Alex Scott & Co. (Kiltmakers) Ltd in the heart of Aberdeen.

Alex Scott's remains one of the few established Kiltmakers to retain its own specialist in-house, under the watchful eye of our Master Kiltmaker, Margot Brodie.

Margot has years of experience having started her apprenticeship in kilt making at the age of 15.

Although no formal qualifications existed then, Margot served a five-year apprenticeship under the guidance of Master Kiltmaker Jim MacLaughlan whose skills were gained in the disciplined environment of the Gordon Highlanders Regiment (one of the most distinguished regiments in the British Army and whose base was founded here in the North East of Scotland).

Such is Margot's longevity and reputation with the Company that families return time and again to Alex Scott's knowing that subsequent generations can be assured of that same expertise.

Group tours explaining the kilt making process, history and function of the kilt in today's society are available, but must be booked well in advance.

How do I clean a kilt?

If your kilt is very dirty and in need of a proper clean, you will need to take it to a reputable dry-cleaner. Any light marks can be sponged off with a damp cloth. DO NOT put the kilt in the washing machine.

Do you hire out kilts?

We have a kilt hire department in our shop at 43 Schoolhill, Aberdeen. You can find details in our Hire Section. If you need help finding our shop, click here for a map. If you are in a hurry you can book a hire by phoning the hire department directly on 01224 643924 ( +44 1224 643924 from outwith the UK) and talking to one of our sales assistants in the Hire Department. They will take bookings over the phone and be able to answer all of your questions.

Do you supply kilts for children?

We offer a made-to-measure service that means we can make a small kilt to fit any size from about 18 months upwards. Children's kilt jackets are also available made-to-measure. We also sell kilted skirts in small sizes and these look the same as kilts on children up to about 4 years old. We offer full outfits for hire in the smallest sizes. Contact our Hire Department for further details.

Why was the kilt outlawed?

The Scottish clans offered highly effective men to fight for the Jacobite cause. The Jacobites were responsible for taking on the government forces in an attempt to restore the Stuarts to the throne after the interference of parliament handed the throne to the Dutchman, William of Orange. The Jacobites were defeated. The government, keen to stop such an uprising within the British mainland from happening again sought to dissolve any trace of Celtic and Gaelic culture and integrate the Highlanders into the dominant culture. The Dress Act came into force on 1 August 1746 and made the wearing of tartan or a kilt illegal in Scotland. There were exceptions for the regimental tartans of the forces, the Black Watch being the most famous example. The law was repealed in 1782.

What is a Feileadh Mor kilt?

The earliest kilts were simply a large square of tartan. The individual would lay a belt on the ground, pleat the cloth by hand and lay it on the belt. They would then lie down, wrap the pleated cloth round the waist and fasten the belt. Once standing, the trailing cloth was gathered and placed over the shoulder and secured with a broach. This is known as the Feileadh Mor kilt. Modern kilts are sewn together to make them more practical. A matching plaid is worn over the shoulder which recreates the look of the Feileadh Mor.

What is the proper length to wear a kilt?

The kilt should not sit lower than the centre of the kneecap. Some people wear the kilt a fraction shorter, this is fine as long as the kilt is not above the top of the kneecap.

Do I have to be Scottish to wear a kilt?

Absolutely not! Anyone can wear a kilt. The kilt is growing in popularity and the Scottish people are delighted that other nations are enthusiastic about our national dress. Don't be shy, try on a kilt, you'll love it!

What do I wear under the kilt?

It is an age-old question and one that is asked time and time again. What does a Scotsman wear under his kilt? The answer really is nothing! We do advise that when attending any kind of formal event that you take this decision in to careful consideration. Consumption of alcohol can sometimes lead to embarrassing trips and falls...