Kinloch Anderson

Today's post is even more special as we get ready to wave off John, our operations manager, as he heads into retirement after 49 years working with us. John started off cutting cloth in our warehouse in 1976 with the hope of becoming a decorator later on. To this day, you can still find him cutting cloth in our production! His career at Kinloch Anderson has been a full cycle, he's worked in dispatch, the shop, and finally returned to production as the manager. Although colourblind, his knowledge of tartan in unbeatable. Though if you ask John about his proudest career achievement, he will smile and say it's definitely having met his wife while working together. We wish John all the very best for his retirement and look forward to receiving pictures of him playing golf.

Steeped in nautical heritage and royal tradition, the Royal Yacht Britannia Tartan was designed to honour the HMY Britannia, the former royal yacht of the British monarchy. Inspired by the Royal Stewart Tartan, the rich colours of this exclusive design tell a beautiful story with: 🔵 Deep navy & blue being a tribute to Britannia’s life at sea. 🔴 Bold red & gold reflecting the yacht’s regal interiors. ⚪ Crisp white as a nod to maritime excellence. To this day, we are proud to craft uniforms in this iconic tartan for the The Royal Yacht Britannia ensuring that its legacy of elegance and tradition lives on.

We believe that exceptional garments begin with exceptional fabrics. That’s why we use only the highest-quality tartan, tweed, and pure silk, carefully sourced from trusted mills that uphold traceability, sustainability, and high welfare standards. Every step, from yarn colour selection to final production, is handled with precision and care, ensuring fabrics that are not only beautiful but rich in heritage and craftsmanship.

Did you know that we have a story spanning 6 generations? Our adventure began in Edinburgh in 1868 when William Anderson started the business. Today, we are still family-owned and managed, with our CEO, John Kinloch Anderson, leading the 6th generation of the company. Want to know more? We offer tours for small groups and corporate visits, where you can meet John and delve into the history of tartan, kiltmaking, and Kinloch Anderson.

The history of Kinloch Anderson told by John Kinloch Anderson 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙌🏻 As a historian, it was a pleasure to learn so much about a company that is as authentically Scottish as they come. I look forward to having more kilted skirts made for attending future Highland Games.

Thank you George Watson's College for giving us the opportunity to work on this project!

"Kinloch Anderson may strike some as an unusual source for a recommended whisky, given that it is a kiltmaker, not a whisky maker. Its first limited release blend is the result of the brand's collaboration with whisky consultant Blair Bowman: Whisky Consultant & Broker Woven and the The Leith Export Co. The Pleated to Sett release is the first in a series of limited-release collaborative blends, all of which will nod to the kiltmaker's heritage in Leith and Edinburgh. Really delicious. Great texture and a brilliant balance between the fruit element and spice. Impressive." Thank you, Whisky Magazine for your review! We are delighted to have placed second in your blind tasting!

Did you know kiltmaking is now on the list of endangered crafts? With only a handful of traditional kiltmakers still practising in Scotland, the centuries-old art of creating bespoke, hand-stitched kilts is under threat. As a vital part of Scotland’s identity, we’re dedicated to preserving this incredible craft for future generations. That's why when visiting our Heritage Room in Leith, Edinburgh, you can watch some of the nation’s most skilled artisans bring your kilts to life.

Celebrated annually on January 25th, Burns Night commemorates the life and works of Robert Burns, whose genius left an indelible mark on Scottish and international literature. In his poems, Burns captured the essence of life and love, celebrating all things Scottish. Traditionally the celebrations include a haggis, neeps, and tatties supper alongside a whisky tasting. As part of Scottish history and traditions, tartan has also found a special spot in the celebrations adding a colourful and distinctive flair to the festivities as well as captivating the hearts of Scots and admirers around the globe. Want to know more about Burns Night? Check out our blog. And to all the Scots and Scotland enthusiasts around the globe, Happy Burns Night!

That's a Wrap... As this year comes to an end, here's a special thank you to our team for their tireless efforts throughout the year. Without their dedication we wouldn't be able to create such beautiful garments. Thank you for your hard work and most importantly, your passion for tartan and our craft! A heartfelt thank you goes to all our fantastic customers - you made our year! Thank you for making us part of your celebrations, we’re so grateful for your support and love. Here's to a 2025 full of love, happiness, and unforgettable memories.