Forfar firm ready to kilt out Scotland’s Tartan Army footsoldiers at World Cup

A Forfar firm has urged Scotland’s Tartan Army to get a march on if they want to look their best for this summer’s World Cup.

In June, Steve Clarke’s footsoldiers will be US-bound in huge numbers for the men’s side’s first appearance in the tournament in 28 years.

Throughout its distinguished history, Strathmore Woollen Company has dressed historic Scots regiments and military around the globe from its range of 400 tartans.

Earlier this month it starred during New York Tartan Week. The firm’s sales and marketing coordinator Hannah Cain modelled her own spectacular creations in Navy SEAL tartan on 6th Avenue and the Dressed to Kilt fashion show catwalk.

Company owner Christine Donaldson said the company is now ready to tackle what could be a late rush from Scotland fans heading to the US.

“People think of us mainly as being all about heritage and full highland dress for formal occasions such as weddings,” she said. “But a weekender kilt has been a very popular part of Strathmore’s range for many years. It’s a lower-priced option, but doesn’t sacrifice quality and being made to measure.”

The key difference is in the length of tartan compared to the full regimental kilt.

“It was developed a long time ago, primarily for people in hot countries and young folk still growing,” she added.

In recent years they have been in big demand for sporting occasions and other social events. And the 100% wool Angus product remains an investment to stand the test of time rather than bargain basement acrylic kilts some fans might have an itch for.

However, Christine warns Scotland supporters time is running out for a new kilt.

“We’ve got a few people already lined up to be measured for kilts for the World Cup. But ideally we need six weeks to make a kilt so we are really up against time for the start of the tournament. Of course we will do our best to meet demand, but the last thing we’d want is for someone to leave it too late and be disappointed.”

The good news for female fans is that Strathmore has £90 off-the-shelf mini kilts in stock in their best-selling tartans.

Christine says the World Cup is a great chance for hand-made Strathmore products to be heading back to the States.

“Tartan Week was a fantastic experience for us and an honour to be part of,” she added. “The highlight was the Dressed to Kilt fashion show but seeing Hannah in her own design in Times Square was a huge amount of fun. We maximised every minute we were in New York. To be able to spread the word about Strathmore with so many people was amazing.”

This article appeared in the Courier on 1 May 2026