Ever wondered where to buy tartan in Edinburgh? This vibrant city, steeped in Scottish history and culture, is a fantastic place to find the perfect tartan for you.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional kilt, a stylish scarf, or a piece of tartan fabric to create your own product, Scotland’s capital city has a wealth of shops to explore.
This article has some tips about buying the product along with a short list of authentic tartan shops in Edinburgh and within easy travelling distance of the city.
Buying a clan tartan in Edinburgh is often high on the list of things to do for visitors to Scotland.
However, it’s sometimes the case that the purchase of this versatile fabric is part of an extended journey to discover more about their family or clan history.
Unfortunately it’s not always a straightforward process.
Tartan is a tangible link to Scotland’s rich past. Wearing or owning tartan connects you to centuries of tradition and cultural identity. It’s a way to celebrate your Scottish ancestry or simply appreciate the country’s heritage.
Today, tartan has transcended its traditional use and become a popular fashion statement. The bold colours and intricate patterns add a touch of Scottish flair to clothing and accessories.
Designers around the world incorporate tartan into their collections, making it a stylish and versatile choice.
Tips before you buy tartan in Edinburgh
To start on a note of caution, it’s important to understand that inaccurate information is sometimes given to visitors about tartan, clans and particularly septs.
Include coats of arms and other heraldic issues and you often have a confused situation.
Consequently, the most important tip is do your research before you buy tartan.
- Informed Purchase: Research helps you understand the vast world of tartans and make informed decisions about what you’re buying. This is especially important if you’re looking for a specific tartan.
- Quality Assurance: By learning about different tartan fabrics and weaves, you can identify quality materials. Understanding the difference between wool and synthetic fibres will help you choose a product that feels more comfortable and lasts longer.
- Cultural Understanding: Tartan has a rich history and cultural significance in Scotland. Researching tartans can give you a deeper appreciation for the patterns, their origins, and any clan associations.
- Accuracy: Some shops might not be as knowledgeable about the history and meaning behind specific tartans, leading to misunderstandings about clan associations.
- Avoiding Misrepresentation: Some tourist shops might have outdated or inaccurate information about specific tartans or clan history. Research helps you avoid buying a tartan that doesn’t have the meaning you thought it did.
Investing time in research can help you avoid impulse purchases of low-quality tartan items. You can find a product that fits your budget and provides better value in the long run.
While general tourist shops can be convenient for grabbing a tartan souvenir, there are some disadvantages to consider when looking for quality products:
Family or clan history
If part of your Edinburgh tartan journey is researching your family or clan history then these organisations could help:
- Scottish Genealogy Society,
- Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (ASGRA),
- Scotland’s People,
- the National Records of Scotland (NRS) in Edinburgh (General Register House) focuses on preserving and providing access to Scotland’s historical records. It offers various resources and search facilities to assist researchers in navigating the archive collections.
Where to buy tartan in Edinburgh and within easy travelling distance
Scotland Shop
If you’re looking for tartan in Edinburgh then ScotlandShop in the city’s West End is a great place to explore.
With a head office in the small Scottish Borders market town of Duns, it’s so much more than just a business selling kilts.
They also have a location in Albany, NY, so if you’re in the United States, you can visit their US store.
Step inside and discover a cornucopia of Scottish tartan inspired products each with a focus on quality and individuality.
They offer a variety of products. Among the extensive range is tartan for men, tartan for women and naturally tartan for children too.
It’s a perfect place for couples planning a wedding or fashion conscious individuals who want to look great and stand out from the crowd.
Their tartan finder has over 500 tartans which can be searched by clan, region or colour.
In addition, the company has a stylish range of tartan home accessories including soft furnishings. Also gifts for that very special occasion.
Unsurprisingly they offer a tartan design service and delivery around the world.
Understanding that visitors to Edinburgh are often interested in discovering more about their Scottish roots or clan heritage, ScotlandShop can be a helpful resource.
Arminta Campbell
Arminta Campbell is a business named after its founder and now creative director. It’s based in the outskirts of Edinburgh.
It uses the very best quality fabrics, made in Scotland, and traditional weaving techniques to create some exceptional tweeds and tartans.
Arminta said, “I am driven to create something so beautiful that someone else would like to own and treasure it.”
Customers are given the opportunity to design their own tweeds and tartans.
Lochcarron of Scotland
A leading manufacturer of tartan fabric and kilts. Lochcarron has a visitor centre located in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders.
There you can browse their collection of tartan garments, accessories, and homeware. They also offer guided tours of their weaving mill.
Auld Alliance Kiltmakers
Auld Alliance Kiltmakers is a husband and wife team, Mathilde and Jonathan, who are passionate about kiltmaking and tartan design.
They work from their small studio in Edinburgh and specialise in creating bespoke, fully hand-stitched kilts.
In addition they have a range of accessories and jewellery.
Kinloch Anderson
Established in 1868, Kinloch Anderson is a renowned kiltmaker and Highland dress expert in Edinburgh.
Based in the port of Leith, Edinburgh they hold the distinction of being the only Scottish company with three Royal Warrants of Appointment as Tailors and Kiltmakers to the Royal Family.
The business offers a wide range of kilts for purchase, including traditional and contemporary styles. They also have all the necessary accessories for Highland dress, such as sporrans, kilt hose, and jackets.
- Tailoring: Beyond kilts, they provide tailoring services for a variety of clothing, including suits, trousers, and jackets.
- Luxury Clothing and Gifts: Their shop carries a selection of luxury Scottish clothing and gifts, including tartans, scarves, and cashmere items.
- Heritage Room Museum: The shop in Leith boasts a Heritage Room Museum showcasing the company’s history and the art of kiltmaking.
- Visit the Kinloch Anderson website for more information.
Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers
Founded in 2009, Gordon Nicolson is a family-owned business situated on the Canongate, part of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
While they specialise in handcrafted kilts, their product range extends beyond that, including trews, jackets, and essential accessories like sporrans, kilt pins, hose and a range of gifts.
Interestingly, they offer a Tartan Design Service, allowing you to create a personalised tartan for a special occasion.
The House of Tartan
The House of Tartan, another long established business, is situated a little further away in Crieff, in the beautiful Trossachs region, about 60 miles from Edinburgh.
Given its reputation for quality and service, it is a journey well worth making.
The House of Tartan, home of the World’s First Tartan database has an extensive tartan index while also enabling customers to create their own design.
The company also has a range of gifts and accessories.
Judy R Clark
If you are looking for something very special, then Judy R Clark might just be the lady to speak to.
With a studio in Edinburgh, this designer has forged an international reputation.
While there is a ready to wear range available, tartan garments would be individually designed and tailored for each customer.
Other tartan shops in Edinburgh
- Tartan Weaving Mill
- The Scotland Kilt Company
- Heritage of Scotland
- Donaldsons of Scotland
- Red Ruairidh Kilts
- Marchbrae
Kilt Hire in Edinburgh
Truly Edinburgh has details of some of the top kilt hire shops in Edinburgh. Many will also sell a range of other tartan items.
More information about Scottish tartan, clans and heraldry
The Scottish Tartans Authority is the official registration body for Scottish tartans. Its website has a searchable database of tartans, as well as information on the history and wearing of tartan.
The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs focuses on information regarding the Council itself and its role, rather than directly selling tartan items represents those recognised as chiefs of their clan or family by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
The Court of the Lord Lyon provides information on:
- Scottish Heraldry: Grants, records, and regulations regarding coats of arms in Scotland.
- Scottish Genealogy: Records and determinations of ancestral connections linked to heraldic emblems.