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Le kilt, veritable embleme de l'Ecosse, est une tenue traditionnelle porte principalement par des hommes. Il est generalement fabrique en laine et a plusieurs couleurs et quadrillages ce qu'on appelle "Tartan". Chaque tartan a son propre nom et tres souvent il appartient a un "clan" ou une famille. Cette tenue est compose : Du kilt : jupe plisse qui s'arrette au niveau des genoux. D'un sporran : petite sacoche en cuir ou en fourrure, accroche a la taille. D'un sgian dubh : petit couteau place dans la chaussette droite. De ghillie brogues : chaussures dont les lacets sont long et laces de maniere a former un triangle isocele. D'une chemise ou d'un pull et d'une veste. Le kilt est aussi le symbole des nations Celtes. En effet, l'Irlande ont eux aussi leurs kilts, tout comme le Pays de Galles ou la bretagne en France. Mais ceux ci sont beaucoup moins repandus. Le kilt etait surtout porte lors d'evenement important comme les mariages par exemple mais aujourd'hui il se porte pour toute occasion ou en simple tenue decontracte dans la vie de tout les jours. La tradition veut aussi que l'homme portant le kilt n'ai aucun sous vetement en dessous. Tradition assez drole et pourtant prise tres aux serieux en Ecosse. Et meme les stars s'y mettent. Sean Connery, d'origine Ecossaise, c'est lui aussi montre en public avec la tenue traditionelle de son pays. James McAvoy aussi porte frequement le tartan des Johnston, clan de sont grand pere. Rendez-vous sur www.the scotlandkiltcompany.co.uk pour decouvrir les differentes tenues traditionelles Ecossaises.c

Whether it’s a wedding, a first rugby match or a day out at the Highland games kilt outfits are loved by kids and look gorgeous. Some children’s items are sized by age for example a kilt for 2-3 year olds rather than in inches as adult sizes. As such if your child is tall of big for their age it’s worth asking the place you are buying from to actually measure the items so that you can get the best fit. When purchasing a child’s kilt you have three main choices. Buying a kilt in a standard tartan you can opt for a pre made or off the peg kilt which is also an economical option. For those extra special occasions such as wedding where you are looking for a specific tartan a made to measure tailored kilt can be made in any tartan as long as it is not a restricted tartan. A made to measure kilt also guarantees a superb fit as it is made to the exact measurements of your child. A further option is you buy a kilt is to have a few alterations made, if you ask around this can be relatively inexpensive. For example if you ask a tailor to hem the bottom of the kilt this can be let down as your child grows and provides extra years of use. This also works well if a child is inheriting a kilt from an older sibling. If your child has sensitive skin and finds wool itchy a kilt made from another fabric such as polyviscose is a great alternative to the traditional wool kilt. Polyviscoise is made from polyester and viscose and is softer than wool, but looks and feels very similar. Another advantage is that it is machine washable, invaluable for small children! Along the same lines when hiring a kilt or kilt outfit for your little one taking our insurance, usually around an extra five pounds covers you against accidental damage and provides piece of mind. Hire A Prince Charlie jacket is popular for formal events such as weddings and christenings. The jacket teamed with a wing collar shirt and bow tie looks very smart. For a more casual look a Ghillie shirt is a rugged option perfect for outdoor events, sporting occasions and hot climates. Wearing a kilt is a sign of belong to a clan or family, and is an important tradition to pass onto the youngest member of the family who will relish the chance to get dressed up for a special occasion.

Just Buying a kilt package rather than individual items is a great way to get kilted out. There are many options whether you’re looking for something formal like a Prince Charlie or Argyll outfit with an 8-yard kilt or a casual outfit like a ghillie shirt and 5-yard kilt. With each of our packages we have carefully selected complementary accessories, but don’t worry that you need me constrained by this. There a wide range of choices within each package so you get achieve the look you want. Additionally you can request equivalent items from our large range instead of those in the package – please ask for details. One of the best features of a package is the price! If you look at what each contains you will notice that the cost of buying all of the items individually would work out to be considerably more expensive so it’s certainly worth considering this option.

If you already have you outfit staples like jacket and kilt a nice way to liven up your outfit is an accessory pack, like kilt packages this is an economical way to buy several items. Accessory packs also make great gifts for first time kilt buyers and also for best men at a wedding as a memento which can be worn on the big day and many other occasions as well!

The ‘Fergus’ a new addition to the iconic Harris Tweed range. This new style is twenty- per cent lighter than the traditional Harris Tweed jackets, it also has different style elements including two slanted pockets and horn buttons. As you would expect from a jacket from Harris Tweed the tailoring is superb and you the guaranteed that the jacket has been made in the Outer Hebrides from local wool. Harris See the full range

 Emma Watson wore a stunning tartan dress to the GQ Men of the year awards in London last night, 6th September. Her Plaid number was designed by Alexander McQueen, for his McQ brand. The 21 year old Harry potter actress and model chose the wool puff ball creation from the McQ autumn 2011 collection. Teamed with a black leather jacket and spiked heels this gave the tartan dress an edgy look. Alexander McQueen took great pride in his Scottish ancestry and often incorporated tartan into his designs. Take a look at some more of his creations below. 

Scene America has a strong Scottish Diaspora; with familial ties dating back several generations. Evidence suggests that this sense of Scottishness is growing. In 2005 around 300 Highland Games were held in North America, there were 150 clan societies and around 1,900 pipe bands. Highland dancing too has increased in popularity - today there are over 200 Scottish dancing groups in the US. Pipe bands and highland dancers come together to celebrate their roots and provide entertainment at Highland games. The size of such games dwarfs similar events in Scotland. With the largest US games attracting more than 30,000 attendees. Scottish Americans have also introduced a number of customs of their own such as the Kirkin o’ the Tartan whereby tartans are blessed in a church. The military use of tartan and the idea of the highland warrior are all very much a part of Scots American’s sense of identity, at Highland games there are a large number of dirks, broadswords, claymores and targes on display. Another integral part of Americans Scottish identity is that Scottish ancestors were driven out by force after the Jacobite uprising which led to the Highland clearances by the British. Given the resonance of the highland warrior it is not surprising that American visitors looking to connect with their roots make a trip to the Highlands. Figures from Visit Scotland, show that the majority Americans visit the Highlands and Grampians. Visitors are generally interested in seeing the important battlefield in the Jacobite struggle such as the Field of Culloden, as well as taking in highland events in Scotland. They also have a chance to buy traditional items that are made in Scotland such as the iconic Harris Tweed and made to measure kilts in the family tartans. In Scotland too such symbols are key to a sense of heritage, with most Scots proudly displaying their family tartan at weddings, graduations and other formal events, as well as identifying with a particular clan.

In the Oscar Nominated 'The King's Speech' the story of King George VI of Britain, the King played by Colin Firth is pictured wearing a kilt.  Critics have pointed out the historical inaccuricies in the choice of tartan, unfortunately Momentum Pictures selected a kilt believed to be from Co. Kerry which only dates back to 1997. For Firth, who played the royal lead, wearing the kilt was one of the highlights of the film "I enjoyed wearing the kilt. I wish I had an excuse to wear it more, but I'm not quite Scottish enough to get away with it." So what would have been a good choice? The Balmoral tartan, designed by Prince Albert in 1953, was known to be a popular choice for the Royal Family at the time. The Balmoral Tartan can only be worn by members of the royal family.  Balmoral tartan

Harris tweed is an iconic fabric, steeped in history. It's production is governed by an Act of Parliament, passed in 1993 which decrees that it must be made form wool dyed, spun and woven on the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. You can identify Harris Tweed by its Orb trademark which authenticates all Harris Tweed Woven. Harris is the second largest island of the chain, which includes fourteen other inhabited islands, there are also more than 50 other islands which are uninhabited. The inhabited islands have a total population of around 26,500. Weaving, including the production of Harris Tweed, is one of the main industries found on the islands alongside tourism, crofting and fishing. Across from the mountainous North Harris lies South Harris, presenting some of the finest scenery in Scotland with wide sandy beaches. In the mid-19th century, the Isle of Harris was owned by the 4th Earl of Dunmore, John Murray and his wife, Lady Charlotte. Both were born into wealthy Scottish families: he was an Earl and an officer, she was the daughter of one of Scotland's leading families. They saw the potential for selling, Harris Tweed produced by their tenants - to their acquaintances in London . Lady Dunmore in particular was instrumental in promoting Harris Tweed through her connections in the upper classes, particularly the hunting and fishing set. This marked the beginning of Harris Tweed as a commercial product. By the end of the nineteenth century, Harris Tweed was firmly established and much sought after, it had even become popular with members of the royal circle. As the popularity of Harris Tweed grew weavers began to produce their own versions and legal protection was sought to protect genuine Harris Tweed. The Harris Tweed Association was set up in 1909. In it's second year of operation it created the Orb trademark which is still used to authenticate all Harris Tweed. Harris Tweed Hebrides uses a range of more than 100 yarns which can be made up into thousands of patterns. There are a number of tweed weights: the heaviest is medium - weight used for furnishings and interiors. The most commonly used weight is the feather - weight which is popular for jackets. The lightest weight is superfine which is often used for ladieswear This year Harris Tweed received a boost with the accreditation of 100 Western Isles weavers. Thanks to two projects established by Cardonald College in Glasgow, a twelve week, course resulting in an SVQ qualification in Harris Tweed weaving was delivered in Stornoway, producing ten new weavers, most of whom have begun careers in the industry. The second stage of project recognised the skills of the existing workforce by means of an audit, to create an industry standard. A target of delivering one hundred accreditations has now been achieved and another twenty-five weavers have enrolled in the next course.

Demonstrating the fashion credentials of the kilt, Gwyeth Paltrow worn a fetching grey and black number for her Cameo appearance on the hugely popular TV show Glee. Inspired? take a look at our selction of 100% wool mini kilts. Their flattering and comfortable design make them perfect for any occasion. Made from 100% pure new wool they will be nice and snug in the winter months worn with thick tights and boots. The wide waistband to ensures a comfortably fit and traditional pleating give swing and sway - the flat panel at the front creates a smooth silhouette.