The Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy - An Introduction
"Kiltmaking is a craft that is uniquely linked to a nation’s identity and therefore evokes a lot of emotion. It produces a product that is meant to last a lifetime and is to be passed down generations and a lot of the work kiltmakers do are repairs and resizing of kilts. Repairing, observing and learning from the work of kiltmakers of the past is one of the most exciting parts of the work. Many leave marks, dates and names under the lining to be discovered."
Traditional Handsewn Kiltmaking
Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers - what we do is in our name ! ...and if you are familiar with our journey, then you probably already know that we take immense pride in our commitment to traditional handsewn kiltmaking. The GNK Standard unequivocally sets the kiltmaking benchmark in the modern Highlandwear industry.
Why you can trust The GNK Standard:
our clan of Kiltmakers are proven experts in their craft with decades of experience between them
Our Kiltmakers are extensively trained in-house with the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy
Our Kiltmaking courses are regularly reviewed and improved to increase and uphold the practices of kiltmaking to the highest possible levels
Only fully qualified Kiltmakers continue to make kilts for Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers
Want to know more? Then read on...
The Foundation of the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy
Founded in 2016 by Gordon Nicolson
Gordon Nicolson, renowned highlandwear retailer and owner of Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, founded the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy in 2016 to realise a long-held dream;
to standardise the practice of kiltmaking to the highest possible level and secure the future of handmade kilts.
For too long the standard of this heritage craft had been slipping, with no guarantee over what quality of kilt a customer would receive and those with the knowledge of kiltmaking were reluctant to share it.
Gordon Nicolson founded EKA on a mission to protect and promote the skills involved, remove the mystery surrounding kiltmaking and to train an talented workforce of inspired kiltmakers who would set future standards.
Through EKA training, kiltmakers can confidently and consistently create the best quality hand sewn kilts for each and every customer. A new generation of kiltmakers is being expertly trained, confidently preserving this craft and securing a bright future for cultural tradition.
Head of The Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy,
Kirsty Kinnear
Kirsty has made wonderful developments to the kiltmaking courses here at EKA. But to go back to the beginning of her journey - Kirsty trained at the Academy herself, looking to forge a new career working with her hands - the thing she'd always loved to do. Taking to kiltmaking immediately, Kirsty soon qualified and began working as a kiltmaker, quickly being asked back to run the course.
Kirsty is responsible for some of the best kiltmakers you could possibly find. Her patience and commitment to her students is a huge attribute to EKA and all those who study here. Kirsty never stops learning herself and developing elements of the course - the mark of a great teacher. She has led EKA from strength to strength, offers ongoing support to students, alumni and kiltmakers looking for advice. It's thanks to Kirsty's hard work and passion for kiltmaking, that EKA now offers the most comprehensive kiltmaking course in the world!
Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy - Protecting Future Heritage
Kiltmaking, like many traditional crafts, has developed over centuries and through generations.
While it has always been a handmade craft, with skills typically passed on individually, few records detailing techniques were ever kept.
Over centuries, kiltmaking has been influenced by various factors, including the environment, politics, social conditions, popular culture, and trends. The history of kilts and their evolution is rich and often surprising, yet the global appeal and fascination with kilts continues to endure.
The Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy is proud to share our deep understanding of this legacy with passionate students of this culturally significant craft, who are dedicated to preserving and advancing the future of kiltmaking.
What does the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy offer ?
The Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy provides the most comprehensive kiltmaking course right in the heart of Edinburgh, within the walls of Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers. Our students not only gain valuable skills and knowledge but also form a network of like-minded friends and colleagues, sharing experiences and building camaraderie as they embark on their kiltmaking journey.
EKA students become skilled and confident kiltmakers, producing work of the highest standard and evolving into well-rounded members of the wider Highland wear community. They receive expert instruction from experienced kiltmakers and EKA alumni. Our tutors are committed to continuous learning and skills development, which is the hallmark of great teaching. Class sizes are kept small to provide one-on-one attention in each session, allowing the course to be tailored to meet individual students' needs.
Our Full Kiltmaking Course is underpinned with a significant amount of homework as well as measuring masterclasses to understand how kilts fit different body types, enabling them to assist their own clients after graduation.
Additionally, students embark on an educational visit to Lochcarron of Scotland, known for its exceptional weaving, to learn more about modern tartan production.
We also offer the opportunity to attend an engaging talk hosted by Gordon Nicolson, covering the history of kilts and tartan, highlighting their significant position within Scottish history. This in-depth experience helps our students become knowledgeable kiltmakers, confident in their understanding of the Highland wear industry.
What do our students say ?
"I started at the EKA after graduating from college with a qualification in costume making for theatre. I wanted to train in kiltmaking to improve and develop my hand sewing skills but, didn’t realise that this would open up a possibility of sewing full time. Since graduating from EKA I have continued my kiltmaking journey by furthering my skill by building my sewing speed and handling different tartans. I have also recently completed the EKA alterations course and am looking forward to working on this more and assessing the different alterations that may come up... ...I really enjoy sewing kilts full time. Sewing was something I always loved doing but was never sure that I could make a career out of it and GNK have given me that opportunity. I am looking forward to continuing to learn more about kilts and feel very good to know that I am keeping this traditional, hand sewn, craft going."
"I graduated from EKA in 2023 and had a job offer as a hand sewn kilt maker even before graduating !
After moving to Scotland in 2022 I wanted to learn how to make kilts after having been involved in Scottish culture and highland dance for many years prior.
Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy provided me with exceptional teaching and a lifetime of skills that will serve me well. I truly cannot thank them enough."
Tamra Fricke - EKA Graduate 2023
The Result ?
Bespoke Fit
GNK kilts are known for their exceptional fit, achieved through meticulous shaping of each pleat, perfectly tailored to create a truly individual fit. The quality is evident in how the finished garment hangs and "the swing of the kilt".
This magic is borne from our passion for heritage and each individual kiltmakers accurate craftsmanship in every stitch.
Longevity
Every kilt is made from 8 to 9 yards of 100% wool cloth of the highest quality.
We carefully measure and evaluate your body shape to ensure that the kilt we create will be tailored to fit perfectly. We also allow scope for future alteration and adjustment, because our aim is to craft a kilt that is built to last a lifetime
Each of our traditional kilts is entirely hand sewn by one individual artisan kiltmaker, to exacting standards.
What do our Customers say ?
"An absolutely wonderful kilt shop with a lot of options available and excellent quality from each one. Initial measuring and planning was a breeze and pick up was also very easy" ~George
"Hands down the best shopping experience I've ever had. Incredibly knowledgeable staff who want to help you get the best and a great selection to ensure it happens. All delivered at a fair price" ~Jonathan
Conclusion
By now, you should have a better understanding of why we take immense pride in crafting our beautifully handmade kilts. We hope you can appreciate that, grounded in our solid foundation of practical experience, we have invested our hearts, minds, and hands into developing sound methods of teaching. Our goal is to ensure that future generations will continue to value and engage in the traditional craft of handsewn kiltmaking and to be inspired to forge further improvements, so safeguarding our precious and collective future heritage.