Scottish Craftsmanship Takes the Spotlight: Ross King's Blue Buchanan Kilt on Strictly

This Strictly Come Dancing season saw Ross King step onto the dancefloor in a kilt that wasn’t just a nod to his Glasgow roots, but a celebration of Scottish craftsmanship and heritage. The kilt was made in our small Edinburgh workshop, and seeing it take central stage on the big screen was a proud moment for the whole team.

Ross King, an Emmy-winning presenter and Hollywood correspondent, is well known for bringing stories of film and fashion to audiences around the world. This time, he carried his own story - one woven in wool, shaped by hand, and stitched with the upmost care. In a message afterward, he called it “the most beautiful kilt I’ve ever seen” 

Ross and his partner, Jowita Przystal, performed a waltz to Sunshine on Leith - a fitting tribute to his Scottish beginnings.

The kilt itself was made by Claire Smith, a recent graduate of our Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy.

Kiltmaking is a craft that takes time, precision, and patience. Working to a tight BBC deadline, Claire finished every stitch by hand - pleating, pressing, and shaping the fabric in line with the renowned GNK standard.

Seeing Claire’s work featured on national television was a milestone moment, and a proud showcase of the skill she’s honed during her time at the academy.

Claire said “I couldn’t believe it! It’s my first year working full-time as a kiltmaker, and to see something I made worn so proudly - especially by someone like Ross King - it means everything. It shows that craftsmanship still has a place in modern culture.”

Ross’s choice of a traditional kilt stood out amid the sequins and sparkle of Strictly, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. October is British Wool Month - a moment to celebrate and recognise the importance of wool.

It’s a remarkable fibre: renewable, biodegradable, naturally insulating, and incredibly long-lasting.

The Blue Buchanan tartan is one of our favourites here at GNK because it’s 100% British, from start to finish. Made from pure Scottish wool, it goes through every step of its journey close to home - from design and dyeing, to weaving and finally being crafted into Highlandwear.

For us, choosing wool isn’t just about tradition; it’s about creating something that endures. By combining natural materials with the careful craftsmanship of local makers, we honour Scottish heritage and help preserve the endangered craft of kiltmaking. That’s what slow fashion is truly about: making with care, buying less but better, and knowing who made what you wear.

The kilt Ross King wore on Strictly wasn’t just made for the spotlight - it was made to last, to carry memory and meaning. It embodies the kind of fashion we believe in: locally made, thoughtfully sourced, and built for generations rather than a single season. 

Ross now has a kilt that will last him a lifetime, holding the story of the tartan, his connection to Scottish culture, and the memories of that night on the dancefloor.