Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers

11/08/2026

You might be surprised by the colours behind a grey tweed.

Our Lovat Charcoal Tweed carefully balances blues, greens and oranges to achieve the perfect shade of grey. It’s this subtle interplay of colour that gives tweed its richness and depth.

Woven by Lovat Mill in the Scottish Borders.



nicolsonkiltmakers.com

09/08/2026

Our Hire Hub stands on the site where part of Edinburgh’s Flodden Wall once stood. But why was the wall built?

On 9th September, 513 years ago, the Scots and English armies met on Flodden Field in Northumberland. King James IV of Scotland led an army across the Border in support of France, Scotland’s long-standing ally against England.

Yet, despite their numbers, the Scots were outmanoeuvred. The English flanked them, and the very ground James chose became his downfall. Their long pikes were useless on the boggy slopes, artillery rained down, and retreat was impossible.

It was a devastating loss. Around 10,000 Scots, including King James himself, lost their lives, alongside some 5,000 English soldiers.

The shock was felt far and wide. With Edinburgh fearing invasion, they hurried to build new defences: the Flodden Wall, fragments of which still stand today.

Remains of the wall can still be seen around Edinburgh’s Old Town, with the nearest section just a short walk from us at the Pleasance, at the foot of St Mary’s Street.



Photos by Vasileios Vasakos.

06/08/2026

Today is Flodden Day, a day that has always held a special place in our hearts.

Having grown up in the Scottish Borders, Louise Nicolson remembers attending Flodden Day commemorations from a very young age. The annual ride-out has been an important part of the family calendar for generations, and Gordon and Louise’s daughter, Eve, continues that tradition each year on her horse.

For us, Flodden Day is a reminder that remembrance isn’t only about looking back. It’s about the traditions that bring people and communities together, and the importance of unity in uncertain times.

It was this sentiment that moved Gordon to design the Flodden Commemorative Tartan, marking the battle’s 500th anniversary in 2013. It’s a very personal tartan for us, and one we’re especially proud to see modelled here by Eve and her cousin, Michael.

To learn more about Flodden Day and the story behind the tartan, visit our blog post: https://nicolsonkiltmakers.com/blogs/the-kiltmakers-chronicle/the-battle-of-flodden-reflections-rememberance-and-tartan



Photos by Rose & Julien at Hume Castle.
Presenting Coldstream

04/08/2026

Our Lovat Green Tweed Jacket is the perfect companion to the Scottish Borderland Tartan. With its rich blend of blues, greens and golden tones, it’s a beautiful reflection of Scotland’s landscapes.

nicolsonkiltmakers.com



Photos by Rose & Julien

04/08/2026

29/07/2026

Some stills from a very special photoshoot at Hume Castle - the perfect location to capture our Commemorative Flodden Tartan.

As we approach Flodden Day, we are reminded of the unity that loss can bring, no matter how long ago that loss was felt.

To us, remembrance isn’t just about reflecting on the past. It’s about growing up surrounded by it until it becomes part of who you are. It’s the unspoken bond shared through generations, and the way it continues to bring people together to this day.

The Flodden Tartan holds a special place in our hearts, and we are proud to once again sponsor the annual commemorative Rideout, taking place on 6th August.

Photos by Rose & Julien



nicolsonkiltmakers.com

27/07/2026

GIVEAWAY CLOSING at 23:59 GMT 10/08/26
As we approach the 513th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden, we are honoured to be partnering with Presenting Coldstream to offer a very special giveaway.

Designed by Gordon Nicolson in 2013, the Flodden Tartan was created to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Battle of Flodden in 1513. It honours not only the men who fought, but also the women and children left behind, and the lasting imprint it has had on generations since.

For this giveaway, one winner will receive a Flodden Tartan picnic collection worth £266, including:

• Lambswool Blanket
• Lambswool Scarf
• Teasel Oversized Bag
• Bottle Bag

How to enter:
💛 Like this post
🌱 Follow Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers and Presenting Coldstream
🧺 Tag who you’d share your picnic with!

Do the same on our Instagram for an extra entry!

The Flodden Tartan holds a special place in our hearts, and we are proud to once again sponsor the annual commemorative Rideout, taking place on 6th August.



T&Cs: Open worldwide. Giveaway opens 27 July 2026 at 10:00am GMT and closes 10 August 2026 at 11:59pm GMT. Winner will be contacted via direct message.

Photos by Rose & Julien

21/07/2026

Velvet jacket, tartan trews, and a cotton bowtie. The contemporary yet elegant take on traditional highlandwear.

From your first appointment to the final fitting, our friendly team provides expert guidance with a relaxed, personal service, to ensure you feel your very best.

Book your first fitting today at https://nicolsonkiltmakers.com/products/made-to-measure-appointment-canongate

17/07/2026

Behind the scenes on a working day Out of the Office...

Whoever said "never work with chldren or animals" was wrong ! We have had a brilliant beautiful day making something very special happen, with family, friends and many 4-legged creatures !

Memories are made of this... ❤️

17/07/2026

John Muir was an adventurer, pioneer and naturalist. This summer, what better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with his tartan?

Designed by Gordon Nicolson, the John Muir Way Tartan celebrates the life and legacy of the Scottish-born "Father of the National Parks", whose efforts helped preserve iconic landscapes including Yosemite and Sequoia.

From kilts, shawls, and accessories, explore our exclusive John Muir Way collection at https://nicolsonkiltmakers.com/collections/john-muir-way-tartan