Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers

Standing proudly at 189 Canongate on the historic Royal Mile, Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers represents the pinnacle of genuine, traditional Highland dressmaking. Established by master kiltmaker Gordon Nicolson, the business was born out of a passionate commitment to preserving authentic, eight-yard hand-sewn kiltmaking techniques in an era increasingly dominated by mass-produced machine imitations.

Entering the shop, visitors are enveloped by the rich aroma of pure new wool and leather. Bolts of tartan from Scotland’s premier weavers—including Lochcarron of Scotland and House of Edgar—line the timber shelving from floor to ceiling. Gordon Nicolson is notably the official kiltmaker of the John Muir Tartan and the University of Edinburgh tartan, holding deep archival knowledge of clan histories and heraldic dress codes.

Every bespoke kilt created here is meticulously measured and sewn entirely by hand by trained artisan kiltmakers who have completed rigorous multi-year apprenticeships. Beyond kilts, the atelier outfits clients with complete bespoke Highland wear, including hand-cut tweed Argyll jackets, sterling silver kilt pins, bespoke sporrans handcrafted from Scottish leather, and sgian dubhs forged by local craftsmen.