My 19 year old son would like to get a kilt while we are in Scotland. We leave in a few weeks and will be traveling through Glasgow, Mallaig, Skye, Inverness, and Edinburgh. Our surname is Donaldson (my husband's name) and I do know there is Scottish ancestry. We will be visiting Armadale Castle and maybe they will have kilts there? I don't want some over-priced touristy piece of junk, but I also don't want to pay for a top of the line super authentic kilt. Does anyone know if Armadale Castle sells good quality kilts or can you recommend a place to purchase one?
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1121 posts
It would be very unusual for a museum gift shop to sell a kilt. I have never seen any at Armadale castle or anywhere else on Skye. They are usually made to order. Your best option might be something like this Donaldsons of Scotland or there are shops in Edinburgh.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32776 posts
bear in mind that Scots formal dress is a lot more than just a kilt. The outfit goes from head to toe, the kilt is only one part.
Kilts are usually made to order, and are a big investment.
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1121 posts
Very good point about the 'extras' Nigel.
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1645 posts
Ok at the expensive side of the market we have Kinloch Anderson, expensive as people you'd expect to be with Royal Warrants, and supplies kilts to Scottish Rugby. There are other tailors that are much cheaper, and I can have a look. As the others said the costs soon add up. A lot of people here rent a kilt rather than owning one but have the jacket, hose, sporran, belt and so on at home. If you want one, even from the shop above the fishmongers (I rented from such a shop) be prepared every thing costs a pretty penny.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6548 posts
As has been already mentioned, kilts are generally made to order. One place to look at for a quality kilt is Lochcarron of Scotland in Selkirk. Even if not buying a kilt, it does offer tours of its mill.
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
608 posts
If it's a one-off, you could spend $25 on eBay to see if it is fun. I'm sure it's an inferior product, and not Donaldson, but if it's going to spend the rest of time hanging in a closet
...
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thank you all - this info was very helpful! My idea of kilts available to purchase at every tourist stop along the way was clearly way off. I appreciate the local knowledge. We will have to find other Donaldson keepsakes.
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1645 posts
There are shops that sell ready to wear kilts for boys and men, which are genuine, off the shelf. Usually ex rentals so in common sizes and common tartans. But they are not common, and the one I was aware of has closed.
If the compulsory kilt wearing side of Scottish nationalism gets power you may see more as a new business model comes on line, but until that happens don't hold your breath.
Posted by
Blaine WA
32 posts
My father had a McLeod quilt made for him on their trip to Scotland in 1998. I remember my mother saying it was $600 US dollars. He eventually got the dress jacket and sporen too. He had fun wearing it when ever he could. Now our son has quite a treasure.
So yes, it is a big investment. I'm thinking maybe a hat or scarf on our trip next May.