From creating a custom Euros tartan, dressing the former first minister and raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity, there's a lot happening at Slanj Kilts. We find out more...
Left: Ross has been working in the industry for around 30 years, so has been around to watch trends come and go! Right: Hebridean Black Stewart Kilt, £500, light grey Crail jacket and waistcoat, £475, socks, £20, exclusive Slanj Lion Sealskin dress sporran, £275, brogues, £120 (or get the complete outfit for £1,275), all Slanj Kilts
Hi Ross! You’ve been with Slanj Kilts for a while now – what’s so great about the company?
You’re right! I’ve been working in this industry for around 30 years, and more than half of that time with Slanj Kilts. We are a traditional kilt shop, but what sets us apart is our staff and our attitude. We are huge charity advocates and over the years have donated tens of thousands of pounds to good causes.
During the pandemic, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted about one of the tartan masks we had created in aid of Shelter Scotland and, as a result of that, our efforts raised over £50,000 for the charity. Our latest Euros tartan (read about it on page 29) will also benefit the mental-health charity Brothers in Arms. As for our kilts and Highland-wear, we think we are very competitively priced.
You've got the outfit, but do you know how to wear it? Check out our handy guide to getting dressed in wedding suits and kilts
What’s surprising you in 2024?
I’ve seen fashions change over my years in the business, but what you also find is that things regularly come back around too! We have had a real demand for brighter colours this year, as more grooms and wedding parties/guests are looking for something a bit more ‘out there’.
Left: Modern Forbes fishtail tartan trews, £240, Modern Forbes tartan waistcoat, £175, velvet jacket (only available in navy and black now), £300, brogues, £120 Right: Cuillins of Skye kilt, £450, Moss Green Crail jacket and waistcoat, £475, Moss Green socks, £20, exclusive Slanj Lion Musquash dress sporran, £300, brogues, £120 (or get the complete outfit for £1,300), both Slanj Kilts
What does Slanj Kilts offer customers?
You can hire or buy outfits – and that’s for all ages, as we offer the same options for wee ones too. We carry everything from tartans that have been designed by ourselves, such as sports team tartans (like St Mirren and the Caledonia Gladiators) to tartans that are much-loved classics. We can also work with customers to design and register their own tartan too.
How soon should we think about buying (or hiring)?
The sooner the better is always our advice. It’s sometimes nice for the couple themselves to come in for a look first of all to get an idea of what appeals to them. Then, about six months before the big day, we suggest making sure everyone who needs an outfit has been in to see us to be measured.
Any highlights from your time at Slanj that you’d like to mention?
We are a family-run business who like to do our bit, which is why we’re really proud of the charity work we do. We also dressed former first minister Humza Yousaf for the coronation – it was wonderful to see him in our Spirit of Glasgow tartan kilt.
As well as having two locations in Glasgow (St Enoch Square and Duke Street), Slanj Kilts also operates online
