Heritage & Sustainability
Linking The Past, Present & Future
Respecting the rhythms of tradition while embracing the dynamism of change is a core part of the College’s ethos. We aim to sustain the craft of master kilt tailoring so that future generations can continue to appreciate the cultural significance of these wonderful garments. This work goes beyond simply creating or preserving objects – it speaks to the importance of the Kilt as an integral part of Scotland’s cultural heritage and future.
Progression through our programme teaches students unique skills and fosters a deep appreciation of the traditional Scottish craft of kilt-making that stretches back centuries to the master kilt tailors of the Highland Regiments. Utilising technological advances, immersive experiences, digitization, and simulation we can bring the nuances of traditional methods into a digital age.
Through their work and their interactions with domestic and international audiences, our students showcase one of Scotland’s richest and most symbolic creative arts. In doing so they provide a link between our cultural past, present, and future.
The Programme
We help you create beautiful garments to wear, treasure, and pass on.
The importance of preserving traditional tailoring
With a rich history and long tradition, the sheer beauty of the finest tailored kilts has been appreciated for centuries. They are functional and hard-wearing and have now become a fashion favourite.
They are of central importance to a much-valued but endangered heritage craft and tailoring tradition and belong to the emblematic history of Scotland and its people, wherever they may live.
The cultural significance of the tailored kilt transcends borders and continues to arouse a sense of belonging around the world today.
A fitting location
The College is closely linked with the Scottish city of Perth. Known as ‘Craftistown’ from the early 16th century, it has long been associated with important trades and the incorporation of Guilds. So, it is fitting that the College should be based here – even more so since the city is now part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as the First City of Craft.
The accolade of being a UNESCO city has a huge positive impact on both a city and the surrounding region. It is a world recognised badge of quality for the area, a driver of funding streams and a way of creating new commercial and learning opportunities for creatives and makers to live and work in. It’s certainly an exciting environment for anyone interested in learning to tailor kilts!
A visual language
Of all fabrics, it could be said that tartan has more visual resonances than any other. Emblematic of a nation, a sense of belonging, history, traditional and innovative design, and self-expression, amongst much else, it is imbued with both personal and collective meaning. It is hard to think of another fabric that can mean so much, in so many different ways, to so many people across the world.
Supporting the Green Economy
The College is committed to practices that support a greener economy. Reducing environmental risks and using renewable resources are central to our ethos. Hand-tailored kilts, made primarily from sustainable natural materials, such as wool, are justifiably described as eco-friendly garments.
Our techniques also teach precision cutting meaning minimal wastage of material. The fact that Kilts are designed to be durable, means they are the very opposite of ‘throwaway culture’ and the short-term use clothing of today. Kilts are a timeless garment, that never goes out of style, and is often handed down from generation to generation. The purchase of a hand-crafted kilt is sustainable and economically practical.
Living National Treasures
Passing on an intangible heritage craft is not an easy task, especially when many aspiring kilt tailors, are spread across the world. In achieving this there is much to be learnt from the experience of Japan. They have focussed on developing programmes within the framework of UNESCO Guidelines for the Establishment of National “Living Human Treasures.”
The title “Living National Treasure” holds profound meaning in Japanese society. These artisans are seen as living embodiments of Japan’s cultural identity, representing a bridge between the past and the present. Through their mastery of traditional arts and crafts, Living National Treasures preserve the techniques, knowledge, and artistic expressions that have been passed down through generations.
We are certain that the College’s growing international family, bonded by their love for a heartfelt craft and shared Celtic heritage, will have the enthusiasm and belief that they can play their part in acquiring the knowledge and skills to safeguard the endangered intangible heritage craft of tailored kilt making. In doing so they will preserve and create ‘National Living Treasures’ for future generations to enjoy.
“A true tradition is not the witness of a remote past; it is a living force that enlivens and nourishes the present. Far from a mere repetition of what has gone before, a tradition is an on‐going reality. It can be considered as family property, a heritage one receives…….before its transmission to future generations”.
Igor Stravinsky, Poetics of Music, Paris 1952.
