HIGHLAND WEAR HERITAGE AT HOUSTON KILTMAKERS

Paisley has been home to Houston Kiltmakers since 1909 after being opened by William McWalter Houston, originally as a hatter and hosier.

The family business was continued when William’s daughter Eileen married Lawson Macdonald, who had returned from the World War Two and worked his way up from junior to store manager. The couple’s son Ken took the reins in 1975 and now their grandson Ewan is a fourth-generation custodian.

“We sold some kilts back in the day,” explains Ken. “But gents didn’t wear many kilts back then so mainly trading in suits and as a gentlemen outfitter with a few kilts and trews sold a year.

“We always sold tartan ties, scarves and caps with a few kilts but I decided in the early 80s to expand our sales of kilts and to also offer dress hire.

“With the decline in traditional menswear, this was a move which ultimately saved the businesses.

“There used to be 28 gents’ shops in Paisley with more than 400 such stores across Scotland.

“Now there’s only about 10 independent menswear shops in the whole of Scotland – by specialising in a product like tartan and highland wear, we opened ourselves up to a worldwide market.”

As well as a large stock for hire, Houston Kiltmakers makes bespoke kilt outfits with almost half of these exported across the globe to the USA, Canada, and Asia as well as the rest of the UK and Europe.

They also offer a tartan design and custom weave service.

“We design tartans for clients all over the world,” said Ewan.

“We are the only kilt shop in the world where you will see every tartan available and we also make bespoke gents’ kilts, trews and jackets as well as ladies and children’s highland wear.

“We are kept busy all year but three times busier in summer. April until September is peak wedding season, not to mention communions, proms, graduations and lots of export outfits.

“We are proud to offer the biggest and best hire range in the country plus we can custom make any outfit - we can even design wedding tartans for two families coming together.

“But it’s best to book at least six months to a year before the big day!”

“We work with all kinds of interesting people and clients,” added Ken. “With more than half our sales destined for overseas.

“Customers have included the Duke of Rothesay, now King Charles III, Alex

Ferguson, and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers to African Kings and billionaires, including designing a tartan for one of the richest men in the world.

“We’ve had orders for a solid gold outfit, a cashmere kilt and a few all-white kilt outfits too.

“I also designed a tartan for an Apollo 12 astronaut as well as being responsible for designing the USA national tartan for President George W Bush.

“We’ve also done a lot of work for film and TV shows all over the world and designed bespoke tartans for some big companies like Dominos, London North East Railway and Aldi.”

As a Vice-Chairman of The Scottish Tartans Authority and Deacon of the Incorporation of Weavers of Glasgow, Ken is passionate about Tartan and Highland Wear, taking a keen interest in preserving this historic industry in Scotland.

Ken himself always wears Ancient Macdonald of Clanranald while his favourite tartans include any Macdonald tartan, the Bute heather collection and his own designs for the Glasgow Garden Festival. Meanwhile, Ewan always wears Weathered Macdonald of Glengarry or Macdonald Glencoe while his favourite tartans are also any Macdonald tartan, along with Weathered Buchanan, Syrora Space Co and Toby’s tartan.

The Toby in question being the store’s shop dog, King Toby, a hit on the business social media channels!

“King Toby is the shop dog but I fear he’s taking over,” laughed Ken. “He’s definitely good for team morale!”

“We have a good team and it’s a great atmosphere when the shop is busy and people are getting kilted out for weddings,” added Ewan.

“And we get to meet lots of interesting people from all around the world too!”

“It’s such a great town to be based,” said Ken. “It’s been home to our family for generations.

“Paisley has good people, good buildings and it’s coming back!

“As Disraeli said, Keep your eye on Paisley!”

HOUSTON KILTMAKERS

67 High St, Paisley PA1 2AY 07878 130792 www.kiltmakers.com

Owners Diane and Michelle live locally and enjoy showcasing the latest fashions to the local community.

“We opened in Paisley 13 years ago, rebranding our business from Shoe 52 in 2019 due to our expansion of women’s Italian clothing.” said Michelle.

“Both our backgrounds are in fashion and we have experience in senior management, director and buying roles.”

“Our clothing is mostly Italian, a luxury lifestyle brand at affordable prices,” explained Diane.

“We aim to bring unique timeless styles, where quality and comfort is our focus.

“Our range is mostly all one size clothing and we also stock Italian Handbags and Fashion Accessories too.

“We are kept going all year round, with our live Facebook videos showcasing our new weekly arrivals.”

So, what’s the big fashion trend for this summer?

“Dresses, bright colours and wide leg trousers are all in this summer,” said Michelle.

“While personally, we’re big fans of blazers paired with jeans and Bagatt footwear.”

“We both enjoy chatting with our customers and buying great new collections,” added Diane.

“If you are looking for a new style then visit our store where we offer a friendly and personal customer service, offering advice on suitable colour palettes and styles”

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