Many people are aware of the links between Aberdeen and Nigeria involving the numerous city based oil companies, but did you know that those links also extend to the fashion industry?
We were delighted to accept an offer to become involved in African Fashion Week recently when we were approached by oil engineer and fashion entrepreneur Francis Udom. Francis, 33, is fast becoming renowned throughout the industry for his cutting edge styles which combine Scottish and Nigerian cultures to create modern and innovative designs. Along with his partner Bunmi Olaye, he established his label Bunmi Koko only 12 months ago but has already attracted the attention of designers and celebrities including ex Spice Girl Mel B, who wore a Bunmi Koko design to the Brit Awards earlier this year.
When Francis approached us at kiltmakers.co.uk he was keen to incorporate our own kilt design, Scotland Forever, into his Autumn/Winter collection to be launched at African Fashion Week earlier this month. As a result this ever popular tartan received terrific reviews when it shared the catwalk with some of the top fashion house designs from around the world.
“Many South African people wanted to buy the kilt!“ said Francis “and the feedback we’ve received to our first collection has been exceptional”, he added. “This particular collection, which is titled ‘Matriarchy’ has particularly strong ties with Scotland and especially Aberdeen as it is dedicated to my Great, Great Grand Mother Mary Slessor, the famous Aberdeen born missionary.”
The collection fuses designs from two great nations and we at kiltmakers.co.uk are delighted that our contribution played such an important role.
It’s one of the the most significant days of their life and an equally proud time for friends and family as well. At kiltmakers.co.uk we know the importance of marking this occasion and with more than 85 years of experience we’re confident we can supply you with that perfect gift.
For a little help with making that decision here are our ten most popular graduation gifts.
Recognised throughout the world as an iconic Scottish symbol the thistle motif dates back to Celtic times. These cufflinks display that motif in a stunning way. Rendered in sterling silver, this is a quality item which lends a touch of class to any dress outfit.
If you’re looking for something to engrave a personal message on, then here is the perfect idea. Both impressive and practical this tankard features a glass bottom which, in days gone by, allowed the drinker to have his ale and keep an eye on his companions at the same time! Today, it simply makes a fantastic talking point.
The tankard is fashioned from pewter and finished both at top and bottom in brass. It further features an ornate handle and can be engraved for a personal touch.
Surely the obvious choice to present to the successful student, our Scroll Holder consists of an inscribed perspex tube to house the scroll and is finished with pewter mortar board style ends. A pewter plaque allows for a personal congratulations message and the holder is supplied with a display stand. A big favourite in our graduation range, you won’t be disappointed.
Words can barely do justice to this exquisite example of a traditional sgian dubh.
Handmade by the most experienced craftsmen in Scotland this special knife features a stainless steel blade, housed in a leather bound sheath. The decoration consists of intricately crafted Celtic designs in sterling silver and the woven effect handle is topped with an amethyst coloured stone. This really is a stunning sgian dubh which will compliment any highland outfit.
Perfect for fitting in the pocket or sporran, traditionally designed and available with personal engraving, this hip flask will make a great graduation gift. The central motif is a Celtic knot design and the whole is fashioned from brushed stainless steel to give a beautiful matt finish. The flask is available in 3 sizes all with a captive top meaning the stopper will never get lost..
We’ve already talked about our Sterling Silver Sgian Dubh but how about a complete gift set? The set consists of three items. The centerpiece is an Antique Celtic Rope Sgian Dubh, featuring a stainless steel blade enhanced with a rope design handle made in the Celtic style, fashioned in pewter and silver plate. The sheath is decorated with Celtic scroll and the whole is topped with a coloured stone. The knife is complimented with a pair of cuff links and a kilt pin in a matching design. All three items are available in a choice of three coloured stones. Amethyst, Cairngorm or Black and are delivered free of charge in their own presentation box.
Time for something classic? Our single thistle design pocket watch makes an elegant gift. Manufactured from palladium nickel it is classed as a full hunter. This means that the case opens both front and back allowing the owner to display both the watch face and the intricate inner workings. The movement is made from brass and has a 17 jewel movement. Already a terrific gift idea, the attractive thistle design on the case and the ability to have it engraved with a personal message should leave you in no doubt. In addition, this beautiful timepiece comes complete with fob chain and is delivered free of charge in a presentation box.
A great way to remind them of the big day, our graduation bear really does look the part. She, or he – you choose – is dressed in a smart graduation gown and mortar board proudly holding the all important graduation scroll in their left paw. We’re sure you’ll agree that the glasses lend the perfect studious look to the clever teddy!
This is a wonderful representation of a traditional Scottish sword. The claymore was the weapon of choice for many highlanders, the name coming from the Gaelic word claidheamh meaning great sword. Our version may not be great in size, but it certainly is in quality and design. The kilt pin is made from solid hall marked sterling silver, with intricate detail and the inscription ‘Bewaur ye wha crosses me’ along the length of the blade. In addition, to highlight the superb craftsmanship the kilt pin is presented in a luxury gift box.
The best memories from any occasion are often inspired by photographs. Graduation is no different and so what better way to congratulate someone than with a photo frame with that special picture? This Celtic style frame is fashioned from pewter and makes a fantastic addition to any household. The rear stand allows the frame to be used for both portrait and landscape sized photos and is delivered free of charge.
Are you still hunting for that perfect Father’s Day gift? Worried that you’re running out of time?
Don’t panic, we can help! Here are 10 fantastic last minute gift ideas and with free UK delivery
on them all, we’re sure you’ll find something to suit you as the perfect gift for Dad
These dialect mugs are great fun. Choose from a range of ‘traditional’ Scottish words complete
with the English language translation. Finished with a glaze, these china mugs are both microwave
and dishwasher safe, and at only £6.95 including free UK delivery they make a fantastic & affordable gift.
Designed by our parent company Alex Scott & Co of Aberdeen, The Scotland Forever tartan represents the glorious days of the Scottish regiments and takes its name from a famous battle cry. This tartan has fast become one of the most popular and can be worn by anyone with or without clan affiliation.
Made from 100% pure wool this tie makes a great addition to any highland outfit.
Proudly displaying the Scottish Saltire both inside and outside, this mug from renowned pottery
company Dunoon, is crafted from bone china. Dishwasher and microwave safe and with free
delivery included, this represents a great value for money gift which will grace any kitchen or
From the whimsical mind of Thomas Joseph comes this amusing form-ewe-la one
mug. Featuring the famous trade mark sheep cartoons this china mug is both micowave
and dishwasher safe and is sure to bring a smile to dad’s face on Father’s Day.
Striking both in colour and design this red hooded top boasts the lion rampant crest on the chest.
Made from a combination of polyester and cotton the top features a deep front pocket guaranteeing warm hands in the coldest conditions.
Made from 100% cotton these dialect t-shirts are sure to raise a smile. Proudly displaying
‘traditional’ Scottish words such as blether, numpty and crabbit with full English language
translation, they are available in a range of colours and sizes. Why not combine them with
one of our dialect mugs featured above for that extra special Father’s Day gift?
With the eyecatching lion rampant crest and Scotland wording our polo shirts make a great gift.
They are made fom a mixture of polyester and cotton, and are available in different designs
and sizes ranging from small to XXL.
Photo frames never go out of fashion and always make an excellent present. Our range of picture frames are no exception. Each has a scottish themed design ranging from the celtic knot to the eponymous Charles Rennie MacKintosh styled frames. Add your own special photo and you have an ideal personalised gift.
An essential part of any golfers kit is the golf towel, so if your dad’s an enthusiastic amateur or even a budding pro this will make the perfect Father’s Day gift. Available in four individual designs some with a choice of colours, all our towels are made from 100% cotton and comes with a clip to secure onto a golf bag.
This is a stunning example of a classic sgian dubh. The handle is fashioned in pewter with a celtic
rope design and is finished with a black stone top. The blade is high quality stainless steel and is
housed in a black sheath with a further celtic motif at the tip. An excellent addition to any highland outfit.
With Father’s Day on 20th June 2010 we thought you might like to take a look at our best selling gifts for all the Dad’s out there.
The first Father’s Day took place in 1910 in the USA. It took another 62 years for it to become an official holiday in America when President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972. Here in the UK Father’s day follows many of the American traditions including the fact that it is always celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in June.
It is very much a part of the original tradition to give Dad a present on this day and we are confident that you’ll find the perfect choice in our top 10 list of gift ideas. Remember, many of these top ten items can be engraved to add an extra special personal touch.
This extremely attractive watch is crafted from palladium nickel while the workings are brass
with a 17 jewel movement. The time piece is a full hunter meaning that the watch opens at
both the front and back showing off the visible workings to full effect. Included in the price
is a fob chain and presentation box. For an extra touch we can engrave your personal message.
Always a useful item, this matt finish hip flask is crafted from stainless steel and polished to a
high finish. The ancient Celtic weave motif adorns the front of the flask and a personal engraving
can also be added as the perfect finishing touch. This flask features a captive top meaning the
stopper will never get lost. There are three sizes available, 4oz, 6oz or 8oz and all are delivered free within the UK.
Made from hard wearing pewter this eye catching tankard is finished at top and bottom in brass and
features a glass bottom. Originally intended to allow the tavern drinker to keep an eye out for
enemies while enjoying his pint, the glass bottom is nowadays simply an interesting design feature.
To make this Father’s Day gift extra special a personalised engraving can be added to the tankard.
Crystal always makes an attractive gift and this 6oz whisky glass is no exception. Made
with a combination of traditional methods and modern techniques by Collins Crystal of
Blairgowrie, this crystal glass is crafted to the highest standards. Delivered free of charge within the UK
and with a presentation box, you can add to the thistle engraving with a personal message.
Looking for something a little different? This handy set of 4 stainless steel shot cups comes in a
black leather zip top case. They make a great addition to any hip flask or as a stand alone gift
in their own right.
Cufflinks add an elegant touch to many outfits. These Alba Thistle cufflinks are crafted from
hard wearing pewter polished to a high finish and are completed with a detailed thistle design.
Delivery is free within the UK and a gift box is included.
Made from 100% cotton this rugby shirt is designed with the Scottish thistle emblem
and ‘live for rugby’ logo. This high quality top is machine washable and will keep
its original colour and shape even after frequent washing. Available in a range of
sizes from small to XXL and with free UK delivery this makes an excellent and long
lasting present.
Thomas Joseph is renowned for his whimsical Scottish themed cartoons. His main focus is
the highland sheep and this particular mug is a great example of his work. Featuring a
winter scene the ‘Double Ewe, Double Ewe, Double Ewe’ china mug is great fun and is both
dishwasher and microwave safe.
A fantastic fun and practical gift this baseball cap features the crest of the town of St Andrews,
home of golf. Embroidered around the sides and rear of the cap are the names of other famous
Scottish courses. Featuring a stiff olive green brim there is also an adjustable strap to fit all head sizes.
The latest arrival in Scotland are the MacMeerkat family. The Stewart Royal Macmeerkat is
just one of a huge variety of tartan clan MacMeerkats available. Dressed with a genuine tartan
scarf this cuddly critter will make a fabulous present for any dad.
If you know anything about the habits of the meerkat you’ll realise that they live in large families and while we only started off with a few, we now have largest clan gathering of MacMeerkats ever seen in Scotland.
Each MacMeerkat proudly wears one of over 50 individual authentic Tartan Scarves.
We are now looking for good homes for our MacMeerkats where they will be loved and cared for. You can choose one in your own tartan and if your not sure which is your tartan we will help you find out. The MacMeerkats come in small (24cm) and large (30cm) size and at only £12.95 and £15.95 respectively they are fantastic value for money. Included in the price is free UK delivery.
You can also add gift wrap and a small card for your own personal greeting.
Hundreds of people have already adopted one of our MacMeerkats so make a MacMeerkat happy and give one a loving home – adopt yours now.
