Perth, home to the esteemed College of Master Kilt Tailors (CMKT), proudly holds the title of the first city in the UK to be designated as a UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art. The CMKT was one of four traditional crafts to front Perth’s successful application.

Among Scotland’s few remaining kilt tailors dedicated to this heritage craft is Marion Foster, the creative force behind “Askival of Strathearn” and the founder of the CMKT. After years of honing her tailoring expertise and crafting kilts to the highest standards, Marion recognised the pressing need to safeguard the intricate skills, methodologies, and knowledge she had painstakingly acquired. The potential loss of this craft would represent a significant blow to Scotland’s cultural heritage and legacy.

The CMKT offers an eLearning Accredited Training Programme titled “Bespoke Tailoring of the Kilt, its Variations, and Restoration” providing a comprehensive pathway to becoming a Certified Master Craftsman. This program is designed to be accessible to aspiring kilt tailors around the globe, particularly those who are descendants of the Scottish diaspora and hold their heritage close to their hearts.

“Askival of Strathearn” has revived the stunning 2 x 2 twill weave 100% mulberry spun silk tartan, the identical weave to that used in traditional wool tartan. Like wool, silk is one of the oldest fibres utilized in textiles, and its unique properties lead to the creation of fabrics that are not only beautiful and fine but also remarkably durable. The very term “silk” has become synonymous with excellence in quality.

This twill weave produces a smooth, soft-textured fabric celebrated for its superior draping qualities compared to plain weave fabrics. Harnessing her technical expertise, creativity, and passion, Marion creates beautifulsilk and wool stoles, sashes, and other tartan attire that showcase the enchanting imagery of the tartan pattern.