Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers – Hire Hub
About this business
Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers is a family-run business based on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, where the heritage craft of traditional kiltmaking remains at the heart of everything we do.
Renowned for exceptional craftsmanship and personal service, we specialise in handmade Highlandwear, luxury hirewear, bespoke tailoring and exclusive tartan design, helping couples celebrate their wedding day in authentic Scottish style while honouring centuries of tradition.
Crafted from 100% wool cloth, our kilts are designed to be worn, treasured and passed down through generations. Every kilt is individually created by a single maker using traditional techniques, ensuring an exceptional level of care, precision and attention to detail.
We understand that choosing wedding attire is about more than selecting an outfit – it’s about celebrating your story and feeling your very best on one of life’s most memorable occasions. From your first appointment to the final fitting, our experienced team provides expert guidance and a relaxed, personal service, ensuring every member of the wedding party looks and feels their very best.
Alongside Highlandwear for grooms, groomsmen and guests, we also offer a carefully curated collection of Scottish ladieswear and accessories, including tartan capes, stoles, shawls and scarves. Every detail is thoughtfully chosen to help create a beautifully coordinated wedding party. We also offer a charming collection of tartan accessories for four-legged members of the family, ensuring no one is left out of the celebrations.
Craftsmanship lies at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with Scottish mills, weavers and artisans, supporting traditional skills and local manufacturing wherever possible. By sourcing the finest 100% wool cloth and working with trusted Scottish suppliers, we are committed to creating garments of exceptional quality while helping sustain Scotland’s rich textile heritage.
For couples looking to create something truly unique, our bespoke tartan design service offers the opportunity to tell a personal story through tartan. Whether inspired by family heritage, shared memories or a meaningful place, every bespoke tartan is thoughtfully designed to become a lasting legacy. We have created tartans for families and organisations around the world, as well as internationally recognised projects including the official Xbox tartan and the Bon Scott tartan, created in honour of the AC/DC frontman.
Our commitment to Scottish craftsmanship extends beyond the garments we create. In 2016, Gordon Nicolson founded the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy to help address the shortage of skilled kiltmakers and secure the future of traditional hand-sewn kiltmaking. Today, the Academy continues to train the next generation of kiltmakers, ensuring these specialist skills and Scotland’s rich kiltmaking heritage continue to thrive.
Today, Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers is proud to be recognised as one of Scotland’s leading Highlandwear specialists. Every garment we create celebrates heritage and craftsmanship while contributing to something greater: protecting the future of traditional kiltmaking. Officially recognised as an endangered craft in 2021, it remains a vital part of Scotland’s cultural identity, and we are proud to play our part in ensuring it continues to thrive for generations to come.
Contact Info
- Hire Hub:19 - 21 St. Mary's Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TA
- 0131 557 4349
- 19 - 21 St. Mary's Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TA
- sales@nicolsonkiltmakers.com
- www.nicolsonkiltmakers.com
What makes Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers different?
Traditional hand-sewn kiltmaking is at the heart of everything we do. More than just a retailer, we are dedicated to preserving the heritage craft of kiltmaking through exceptional craftsmanship, the finest materials, and education opportunities. From handmade kilts and luxury hirewear to bespoke tartan design, everything we do reflects our commitment to quality and authenticity.
Should I hire or buy my wedding Highlandwear?
Can you outfit my entire wedding party?
Absolutely! We can provide either hire or made-to-measure outfits for everyone. If you’re looking to hire, we offer a 10% discount on any bookings for six or more outfits. We also offer a range of ladieswear and accessories, including tartan capes, stoles, shawls and scarves, helping create a beautifully coordinated wedding party.
Can I wear tartan if I’m not Scottish or don’t have Scottish ancestry?
Yes. Tartan is for everyone! While many people choose a clan or family tartan, there are also district and modern tartans that can be worn by anyone. If you’re unsure which tartan to choose, our experienced team will be happy to help you find one that reflects your style or connection to Scotland.
Can you design a bespoke tartan for our wedding or family?
Our bespoke tartan design service allows you to create a completely original tartan inspired by your family history, shared interests, wedding colours or meaningful places. Once registered, your tartan becomes a lasting legacy that can be worn and treasured by future generations, and will have a place on the official Tartan Registry. Get in touch to learn more.
Do you offer Highlandwear for brides and female members of the wedding party?
Yes. Alongside our Highlandwear, we offer a carefully curated collection of ladieswear and accessories, including tartan capes, stoles, shawls, scarves and accessories.
Are all of your kilts handmade?
We offer two types of kilts: Handmade and Hybrid. Our handmade kilts are crafted entirely by hand using traditional techniques. Our Hybrid Kilts are crafted in exactly the same way but rather than being fully handsewn, each pleat is carefully secured using a sewing machine (around 90% hand-stitched and 10% machine-finished). These are available at a lower price point and shorter lead time without compromising on quality, fit, or finish. Get in touch if you’d like to find out more!
When should we book our wedding appointments?
We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly during the busy wedding season. This gives you the widest choice of appointments, tartans and outfit options, while allowing plenty of time for fittings and any alterations. If your wedding is approaching, please get in touch – we’ll always do our best to accommodate you.
What happens during a Highlandwear fitting?
During your appointment, one of our experienced team will guide you through every aspect of your outfit, from selecting a tartan and jacket to choosing accessories and ensuring the perfect fit. Whether you’re hiring or purchasing, we’ll take the time to understand your wedding style and answer any questions along the way. Our team love interacting with customers, sharing their extensive knowledge and getting to know you!
How does choosing Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers help preserve traditional kiltmaking?
Traditional hand-sewn kiltmaking was recognised as an endangered craft in 2021. By choosing Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, you’re supporting a business dedicated to protecting its future. Through the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy, we train the next generation of kiltmakers, while our partnerships with Scottish mills, weavers and makers help sustain the wider network of heritage craft. Every garment we create contributes to keeping these invaluable skills alive for future generations.
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