Monty L ewis – Sporran maker
Inspired by the long, flamboyant ancient sporrans that he saw twirling at reeling balls, Monty Lewis is creating a new generation of heirlooms for kilt fans. Monty grew up in London, the Lake District and at Portmahomack on the Dornoch Firth, but it was at school in Sussex that he would wear the kilt to chapel every Sunday. ‘My house master wore his kilt too, so I got away without being teased,’ he laughs.
Launched on Burns night 2018, the sporrans wouldn’t look out of place at the fanciest ball, but there’s a modern twist to them. Monty uses materials like polished shell or flattened ox horn to create the cantle of the sporrans. Some are mounted with animal motifs or pineapple finials. ‘From a distance they all look very traditional,’ says Monty. ‘But up close you can see why this one is called Jungle Mischief.’
Strips of horsehair, the hide of a Highland cow whose meat was destined for Waitrose and goat hides that were tanned on the Isle of Skye have all been utilised.
Monty even managed to get his hands on the wood from an elm that fell in Edinburgh’s Queen Street gardens. There’s also a handy credit card slot and change pocket to ensure your sporran is always organised.
‘The sporrans come in an oak presentation box,’ says Monty. ‘So the idea is that you can treasure your sporran and then pass it on through the generations.’
‘The sporrans would not look out of place at the fanciest ball’