Running a small family Highlandwear shop on the High Street is a bit like spinning plates… while measuring answering the phone… while explaining the difference between Black Watch Ancient and Modern (again 😉).

When it’s just the two of us full-time — plus our brilliant part-time superstar — we are:

• The fitters
• The steamers
• The hire-pack checkers
• The sporran untanglers
• The emergency button re-sewers
• The “don’t worry, we’ll sort it” people

And alongside all that, we also run our online store, packing and posting Scottish gifts, Harris Tweed bags, Highland Cow treasures and all sorts of tartan goodness across the UK and beyond.

It’s safe to say… we’re kept busy.

What People Don’t Always See

Highlandwear isn’t just retail — it’s responsibility.

Weddings.
Proms.
Black tie dinners.
Rugby weekends.
Family photos that will sit on mantelpieces for decades.

If a jacket sleeve is half an inch short, or the wrong flashes go in a hire bag, it’s not “just a sale.” It’s someone’s big day.

So we double check.
And then we check again.

And that takes energy.

Why We Occasionally Close the Door

Every so often, we take a short, planned break.

Not because we don’t love what we do (we genuinely do), but because:

Even kilt experts need to sit down sometimes.

Taking a few days away means:

• We come back sharper.

• We avoid silly mistakes.

• We keep our service standard high.

• We don’t start measuring people in our sleep.

It’s about protecting the quality of what we offer.

“But You’re a Small Shop…”

Exactly.

We’re not a big chain with rotating staff and head office departments. When we’re here, you’re dealing directly with the people who:

• Know the cloth weights.

• Know the difference between 5-yard and 8-yard.

• Know how a Crail should sit.

• Know which tartan works best.

• Know your name if you’ve been in before.

That personal service is our strength — but it also means we have to look after ourselves to keep delivering it properly.

Don’t Worry — We Plan Everything

We don’t just shut up shop and disappear into the Highlands.

When we adjust opening times:

• Hire outfits are prepared in advance.

• Collections are rearranged smoothly.

• Customers are contacted.

• Social media is updated.

• The website is updated.

• The online store keeps ticking along.

If you’ve got a hire collection, we’ll make sure you’re sorted. No panic required.

And yes — you can still browse Scottish gifts online in your slippers at 10pm if you fancy a Highland Cow treat.

Independent Means Personal

Being an independent High Street business means we’re real people behind the counter — and behind the website.

We care about:

• The fit.

• The finish.

• The packaging.

• The experience.

• The reputation we’ve built.

Taking a short break now and again helps us protect all of that.

The Bottom Line?

We love what we do.

We love being part of your weddings, celebrations, rugby trips and gift-giving moments.

And we love being part of our High Street community.

But even Highlandwear heroes need a wee recharge now and then.

Thank you for your patience, your support, and for shopping small — in-store and online.

It truly means the world to us.

—
Tartan Plus Tweed
Highlandwear & Scottish Gifts
Galashiels High Street