Deirdre Kinloch Anderson
The director of Edinburgh tartan specialists Kinloch Anderson tells all as the family firm celebrates its 150th anniversary
A Wee Blether With…
150 years of Kinloch Anderson! You must be very proud.
We’re immensely proud of our family’s achievements since William Anderson opened his tailor’s shop in George Street in 1868.
How many generations have been involved?
My husband Douglas was the fifth generation of the family to run the firm and our son John is now at the helm. Only 1% of UK family businesses ever reach the sixth generation!
How different is the Kinloch Anderson of today to the firm of the past?
We moved to Leith in 1990, which was quite risky at the time but has proved to be very successful. As well as being our shop and offices, this is where we design tartans and make waistcoats, skirts, accessories and, of course, our world-famous kilts. We’ve also got a small museum, telling the story of our company.
Do you think William would be pleased with the current set-up?
I suspect he would be very happy with developments over the last 150 years – including the 300-plus Kinloch Anderson shops now operating in the Far East.
How did you celebrate the 150th anniversary?
We’ve restored the magnificent sundial in Edinburgh’s Inverleith Park. This sundial was a gift to the people of Edinburgh from William Anderson’s son, Joseph Kinloch Anderson. He was a local councillor who was very interested in the welfare of Edinburgh’s citizens. Yes, the Kinloch Anderson Sundial 150th Anniversary Tartan. This is based on the Clan Anderson tartan and also features the sandstone of the sundial and the greens of Inverleith Park, with a blue over-check representing the Water of Leith, which runs close to our headquarters.
Where are you likely to see a Kinloch Anderson kilt?
Worldwide! We design tartans and make kilts for individuals, companies, golf clubs, distilleries and events such as the Commonwealth Games 2014 and the arrival of the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo – to name but a few!
But you’ve got some special customers, too?
The most exclusive tartan we supply is the Balmoral tartan, which belongs to the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. The only person outside of the Royal Family who can wear Balmoral tartan is the Queen’s Piper. Even members of the Royal Family can only wear it with personal permission from Her Majesty.
What do the next 150 years hold for Kinloch Anderson?
People think of us as being a traditional company but we’ve always been very good at adapting with the times and we’re currently moving into the new digital age. And, as Douglas and I have eight grandchildren, I hope and trust that our family’s connection to Kinloch Anderson will continue with the future generations.