Since the company’s beginning in 1868 to today, we have committed to a social responsibility towards people and our planet. We know we need to do more to help tackle climate change, play our part in reducing our environmental impact and help to transform our industry. From championing slow fashion to recycling cloth and plastic, we will share our current sustainability policy and our future plans.
PLANET
Part of our commitment to sustainable practices is using materials which are fully biodegradable and FSC approved in all our packaging. We are helping reduce plastic waste by using Quallofil Blue for our dog beds’ inner cushions. Made of 50% recycled plastic, this innovative fibre is collected from shorelines by local communities around the world. We have also designed our Scottish Rugby Tartan ball cushion using a recycled wool filling and our Dog Travel Beds contain a recycled polyester wadding.
Our made-to-made service encourages careful cutting and pattern planning to optimise fabric usage and minimise cloth waste. We have always worked with natural fibres like wool, cashmere, and silk and will keep prioritising collaborations with like-minded suppliers that ensure traceability and prioritise high welfare standards.
In a time where fast-fashion is encouraged by low-costings, we strive to promote slow fashion and its beauty. Our clothing is a statement of timeless style and fine quality that lasts for generations. Our refurbishment service is a unique feature of our business. From sprucing up your kilt with a dry clean and repress, to completely taking it apart and re-making it, our team can advise on the best treatment for your garment.
PEOPLE
As a family business, all our employees are valued members of our extended family. We believe in living wages, equal opportunities, and personal development. Thus, we support our team with training and appraisals as we strive to promote and preserve traditional craft skills such as kiltmaking for future generations.
By supporting education and personal development we regularly engage with schools. As part of our programme, we offer work experience to local students to help their transition to the workplace. Deirdre Kinloch Anderson OBE is actively involved in educating Scottish students about the origins of Highland Dress through her “Tartan Talks”.
We have been active in the Edinburgh community for over 150 years, during this time we have often collaborated with other local businesses and charities through fundraising events and donations. We also engage with groups through tours in our Heritage Room in Leith. During the tours, we explore the history of tartan and kiltmaking, revealing curiosities about our production and fabrics.
OUR PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
As we look to the future, we are committed to:
- Ensure 100% traceability throughout our supply chain.
- Explore the use of new fabrics and materials to implement into our production.
- Work with the weaving and textile industry to encourage further longevity and repairability for our fabrics.
- Engage in more events to stay educated and connected.