What are grooms wearing in 2024? How do I figure out which tartan to go for? Does buying make more sense than hiring? You've got the questions and Dean Robson shop manager at ScotlandShop in Edinburgh, has the answers
You’re promised a visual explosion of all things colour, tartan and Scotland at the Edinburgh store on Queensferry Street
Tell us about ScotlandShop, Dean – what’s the story behind the brand?
ScotlandShop began life in the Borders in 2002 and operated as an online business until 2017, when a flagship store was opened on Edinburgh’s Queensferry Street. Alongside this, we now have a shop in Crieff, our head office and showroom in Duns, and even a shop in Albany in upstate New York.
Let’s talk tartan: how many do you have?
We have access to 500 right away, but there are around 5,000 registered tartans in existence, so if there’s one you want, we can help you find it. We also work with clients to create their own tartan – we’ve helped everyone from Doddie Weir to big corporations design their own check. So, if there isn’t a tartan that absolutely matches what you want, we can help you make something unique and personal to you. You can then get it woven and officially registered.
What do you think customers most enjoy about ScotlandShop?
We try to make the whole thing an experience, whether you’re buying a small gift or you’re ordering a custom kilt. When you come into the store, we won’t leave you to wander (unless you want to); we’re on hand to offer assistance and to chat – we love being able to show people their clan tartan and talk through their ancestry, or offer them a wee dram as they shop, for example. The website is extremely intuitive too. If you like an item, you can see it in over 500 tartans thanks to our tartan finder super-imposing the check onto products.
Left: Dean and the team are on hand to help customers from across the globe, fancy finding out what your clan tartan is? Right: At our fashion shoot at Killochan Castle last year, our model looked dashing in a ScotlandShop suit (Photo: David N. Anderson)
Can you dress my groomsmen (and the rest of the wedding party) as well as me?
Absolutely. We pride ourselves on our selection of
High-landwear for men, but we also have options for everyone in the wedding party – from shoes to shawls for the women to gifts like hip flasks or scarves, there’s something for everyone.
Is there anything proving really popular this year?
We’re seeing many customers making bold choices – there is a lot of bright, punchy colours being purchased. Likewise, grooms are opting for trews instead of a kilt. We’re happy to speak to customers to get a feel for what they want – we’ll do all we can to make your vision come to life.
To shop with ScotlandShop, you can either visit their stores in Edinburgh, Crieff, Duns or Albany (New York!) or you can see and purchase their extensive range of products online
