News

Christine Donaldson, who took over the reigns of the 70 year old Forfar based firm Strathmore Woollen company just over a year ago has ambitions to make it the first place to visit for tartan in the United Kingdom.

Strathmore Woollen Company stocks a range of over 500 tartan designs for both retail and trade customers in more than 30 countries worldwide.

The former product manager with the Edinburgh Woollen Mill operates as commercial director alongside previous owner David Cowley and managing director Jonathan Brown.  Christine emphasised having David and Jonathan stay on board while she learns the business has been fantastic and in addition to the three directors there are six other staff at the firm.

Wholesaling the vast range of tartan fabric is the main business but there is also a shop at the Station Works premises where the general public can see the tartan stock archives, be measured for a kilt or buy tartan fabric for a craft project.

Christine stated that enticing new customers into their marketplace was an ongoing mission and they are actively working in conjunction with Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise to build new links for the tartans at home and abroad.

The company’s new Earl of Forfar tartan, which was handed over to Prince Andrew when he visited the burgh has been extremely well received.

It is Christine’s aim to make Strathmore Woollen Company the first port of call for anyone looking for tartan in the UK, but to do that they are looking to increase their marketing exposure and take their products to markets in new ways.