Here at Real Irish, our passion has always been to share the incredible stories of Irish makers—the weavers, potters, and artisans who pour their hearts and history into their craft. But the story of Celtic craftsmanship doesn't stop at the shores of the Emerald Isle. There is a deep and ancient kinship that connects Ireland with its cousins across the water, a shared language of music, myth, and a profound respect for heritage. This shared spirit is perhaps most beautifully expressed in a mutual dedication to time-honored crafts. For this special edition of our series, we are journeying just across the sea to celebrate one of these "Celtic Cousins": Glen Appin of Scotland, a company that, for over a century, has been a proud guardian of Scotland's most iconic textiles. Their story mirrors the values we cherish in our favorite Irish artisans, proving that the Celtic spirit of quality and tradition is a bond that unites us all.
The story of Glen Appin of Scotland begins in 1903. To put that into perspective, that’s a time before the world had seen two great wars, before the advent of television, and long before the age of fast fashion. It was a time when things were built to last, and a reputation was earned through consistent quality and honest work. From its inception, Glen Appin dedicated itself to creating classic, timeless accessories that celebrated the very best of Scottish style. For more than 120 years, they have remained a steadfast presence, a family-owned company weathering the winds of change by staying firmly rooted in the traditions that first inspired them. This incredible longevity is no accident; it is the direct result of a deep and abiding passion for sharing the rich textile heritage of Scotland with the world, a mission that continues to guide them to this day.
To understand Glen Appin, one must first understand the two legendary fabrics with which they work. The first is perhaps Scotland’s most famous export: Tartan. To the uninitiated, Tartan may seem like a simple plaid pattern, but to a Scot, it is a language. It is the fabric of identity. Historically, the patterns, or "setts," and the vibrant colors of Tartan were associated with specific clans and families, a visual declaration of one's lineage and ancestral home. To wear a Tartan was to wear your story, a vibrant symbol of loyalty, kinship, and place.
The history of this textile is woven deeply into the story of Scotland itself, and never more poignantly than during the 18th century. Following the Jacobite rising of 1745, the British government under King George II enacted the Dress Act of 1746. This act banned the wearing of Tartan, kilts, and other aspects of traditional Highland dress. The goal was to crush the warrior spirit of the Highland clans—who had largely supported the rising—and forcibly assimilate them by suppressing their unique and powerful culture. The passionate revival of Tartan after the act was repealed decades later has made it an even more powerful emblem of Scottish resilience and pride. When the artisans at Glen Appin of Scotland craft their beautiful Scottish Tartan gifts—from classic scarves to elegant purses—they are working with more than just cloth; they are working with a piece of the national soul.
The second legendary textile in Glen Appin’s repertoire is Harris Tweed, a fabric with a story and a spirit as wild and rugged as the place from which it comes. This is not just any tweed; it is a cloth with a legally protected identity, and its story is one of the most romantic in the world of textiles. By law, Harris Tweed must be handwoven by islanders in their own homes in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, a remote and beautiful archipelago off the country's west coast. It must be made from 100% pure virgin wool that has been dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides. This is not a suggestion; it is a legal requirement, protected by an Act of Parliament. This ensures that every single meter of Harris Tweed is imbued with the spirit of the Isles and supports the livelihoods of its dedicated artisans.
The result is a fabric of unparalleled character. It is famously durable, warm, and water-resistant, made to withstand the harsh Hebridean weather. But it is also a thing of great beauty. The colors in the wool are not uniform; they are made from blending a variety of dyed wools, creating a depth and complexity that echoes the Hebridean landscape itself—the grays of the rocks, the blues of the sea, the purples of the heather, and the greens of the machair – a low lying fertile grassland. To guarantee its authenticity, every fifty meters of the finished cloth is inspected and stamped with the iconic Orb Mark, a seal of approval that proves it is the genuine article. A pair of Harris Tweed Gloves from Glen Appin is therefore not just a fashion statement; it is a piece of living history, a product of a protected, centuries-old craft.
What makes Glen Appin of Scotland so special is their ability to take these two historic, story-filled textiles and bring them to life for the modern world. Their collection is a masterclass in classic design, where heritage meets contemporary style. They understand that with fabrics as iconic as Tartan and Harris Tweed, the material itself is the star. Their designs are clean, functional, and elegant, allowing the rich colors of the Tartan and the unique texture of the Harris Tweed to shine. Their beautiful bags, purses, wallets, and gloves are not fleeting trends; they are timeless pieces designed to be used and loved for years to come. They are a perfect fusion of heritage and practicality, proving that classic style and authentic craftsmanship never go out of fashion.
In the end, the story of Glen Appin is a beautiful reflection of the values we see in our beloved Irish makers. It is a story of family, of place, and of a deep commitment to preserving a craft for future generations. It reminds us that the Celtic spirit—that unique blend of resilience, artistry, and pride in one’s heritage—is a thread that runs through both our nations. A piece from Glen Appin is more than just an accessory; it is a timeless investment in authentic craftsmanship and a wonderful way to celebrate our shared Celtic story.
Explore this beautiful collection from our Celtic cousins.
Discover the timeless style of Scotland.
