Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers stand as a distinguished name in authentic Scottish craftsmanship, dedicated to creating beautifully handmade kilts tailored to perfection and designed to last a lifetime. Their team of expert kiltmakers brings decades of experience to their craft, setting them apart by their commitment to detail and quality. What truly distinguishes them is the in-house training provided through their Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy, a pioneering initiative that advances the homegrown Highlandwear industry by raising standards of craftsmanship.
Situated in the heart of Midlothian, their flagship store at 189 Canongate occupies a seventeenth-century tenement on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, where they have been trading handmade kilts and highlandwear since 2009. The brand’s founder, Gordon, embarked on this journey with a clear vision: to elevate kiltmaking by focusing less on turnover and more on genuine Scottish tradition and craft. Gordon’s passion for preserving and celebrating national heritage through kiltmaking reflects a progressive traditionalist spirit, inspired by the likes of Sir Walter Scott, blending respect for history with a forward-looking approach.
The Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy, launched in 2016, embodies this vision by providing rigorous training for a new generation of kiltmakers, equipping them with the skills necessary for a rewarding career in traditional kiltmaking. Over a decade, Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers transformed from an outsider to a respected institution within the highlandwear community, gaining loyal followers from across the UK and beyond. Many graduates of the academy have joined their team, further cementing the brand’s reputation for exceptional quality.
Expanding their presence, they opened a second location on St Mary’s Street in 2017, which houses both the academy and a thriving kilt hire service. This service is renowned for its distinctive jackets, exclusive tartans, and the capacity to outfit large groups with retail-quality kilts. That same year, LoullyMakes, a creative venture by Louise Nicolson, joined the Canongate store, blending Liberty fabrics, tartans, and tweeds into beautiful and practical designs.
In 2018, Gordon further enriched the GNK family by acquiring Kilberry Bagpipes, Edinburgh’s last handmade bagpipe maker, located mere feet from the St Mary’s Street shop. This acquisition reflects the brand’s deep artisanal values and commitment to preserving traditional Scottish crafts that might otherwise have disappeared.
Gordon Nicolson’s expertise extends into tartan design, having created exclusive tartans for notable institutions and events including the University of Edinburgh, the Flodden commemorative tartan, the John Muir Way, the Scottish National Team, and Celtic Football Club. These commissions highlight the brand’s respected role in Scotland’s cultural heritage.
With a bustling flagship shop alive with the hum of sewing machines and the energy of traditional craftsmanship, Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers embrace their identity as a small business with big kiltmaking dreams, inspiring a world that continues to dream in tartan. Their offerings include exceptional made-to-measure kilts and hire outfits designed to make lasting impressions, exemplifying their dedication to quality and tradition.