The Scottish Kiltmaker

If you are looking for Scottish tradition, Inverness is a great place to find it. Steeped in culture the town to the north is full of arts, music, beauty and people who exude charm and tradition. And once you’ve strolled the main streets with their tourist offerings and you find yourself on a side street near the castle…you just may see Chisholm’s Highland Dress. And if you do….be sure and go in.

Heather has been making kilts there for more than 60 years. She knows everything you could ever ask about quality work, tartans and traditions.

“It takes 8 yards to make a kilt, no matter the size of the gentleman you are making it for,” she tells me. “There is an occasional man with obesity that will require 9 yards but tradition says to make a kilt with 8.”

All of the kilts and jackets here are sewn by hand. Those who do the sewing put their time, talent and pride to work for this shop. Heather says too many young folks don’t appreciate the craftsmanship, nor do they have any interest in learning the art. But for those who work here it is all a way of life.

She can explain the plaids, the clan tartans, the meaning of the traditions followed and the reasons behind them all. And she can even look up your sir name in a big book of tartans and let you know what your cln wears and why.

If you are in Inverness, don’t miss the chance to meet her…at Chisolm’s Highland Dress.