The Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy was founded by Gordon Nicolson in 2016 with a mission to preserve and elevate the traditional craft of kiltmaking.
In April 2009, Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers opened their first store in Edinburghs historic Canongate. The emphasis of this enterprise focused on the high quality of their kiltmaking, ensured by the hand-picked team of meticulous kilt makers. This team of skilled artisans were individually chosen because they were passionate about the craftsmanship and heritage that was woven into every kilt. After
01/06/2026
Here are some of our Introductory Course students feeling very proud with their finished kilts!
Leonie made a kilt for her brother, Giles, in the Holyrood tartan.
Alison made a kilt for her son, David, in the Murray of Elibank tartan.
edinburghkiltmakersacademy.com
We thoroughly enjoyed a fascinating day yesterday hosting and , Interweaving Threads Residency artists.
This exciting cultural exchange is exploring the connections and contrasts between Scotland and Norway through Dress. We were delighted that Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy graduate kiltmaker Vicky, was on hand to offer valuable insight into the craft of handsewn kiltmaking, and to offer Ingrid and Owen the chance to get hands-on with some pleating and sewing tecniques.
Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers added to the investigation, discussing tartan myths, legends and truths. Then some fun with the iconic feileadh mor !
A brilliant day full of cultural comparisons, discovering unexpected similarities and enjoying compelling debate.
Our cultural heritage reflects who we are and deserves to be celebrated - Interweaving Threads is a wonderful study, and we are so excited to follow its continuing journey.
17/04/2026
Step into the wonderful world of kiltmaking! Our information days are the perfect chance to learn more about us and our courses.
Gain a hands-on insight into tartan grids, a demonstration of pleating techniques, and even a chance to enjoy pleat sewing practice 🪡🧵
Book your place at https://www.edinburghkiltmakersacademy.com/pages/information-days
19/03/2026
Another fantastic visit to 🪡🧵
Our students don’t just learn how to make kilts - they’re immersed in the whole world of kiltmaking, including what comes before: the creation of the cloth itself.
These trips reveal how kiltmaking fits within a wider network of skilled makers, giving them an invaluable perspective for their future careers in the industry.
edinburghkiltmakersacademy.com
18/02/2026
As our courses progress, we take great pride in seeing our students’ skills grow from strength to strength. Many of our tutors are EKA graduates themselves, giving them a deep understanding of the guidance and support each student needs to flourish.
Interested in learning kiltmaking? Our 2026 Introductory courses at the below dates are now open for application - https://www.edinburghkiltmakersacademy.com/pages/introduction-to-kiltmaking-course
• 18th May - 29th May
• 22nd June - 3rd July
29/01/2026
Applications are now open for training bursaries, for fashion textiles and costume making 🪡🧵
This is an incredible opportunity for those who want to enter the heritage crafts industry, but are dissuaded due to financial reasons.
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please visit: https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/bursaries/fashion-textile-bursaries/ to find out more.
28/01/2026
We are incredibly proud to be part of the “Interweaving Threads: Scotland and Norway through Dress” project.
In our latest blog post, we explore how the kilt and the bunad, though born from different histories, are similar in more ways than one.
Read the full story - https://nicolsonkiltmakers.com/blogs/the-kiltmakers-chronicle/scottish-kilts-and-norwegian-bunads-interweaving-nations
V&A Dundee National Museums Scotland
23/01/2026
Our Introductory Courses are now open for applications on the following dates:
• 18th May - 29th May
• 22nd June - 3rd July
Our two-week courses are the perfect entry point into the world of kiltmaking. Not only will you leave with your own handmade kilt, but you’ll also meet like-minded people, gain a deeper understanding of this incredible craft, and build confidence in your sewing skills.
We’d be delighted to talk you through the course and answer any questions - just get in touch.
edinburghkiltmakersacademy.com
12/01/2026
Classified as an endangered craft, kiltmaking relies on knowledge being passed from hand to hand.
Every student who steps through our doors helps to ensure this essential part of Scotland’s heritage continues to thrive - to a standard we can be proud of.
-
Interested in learning kiltmaking? Our 2026 Introductory courses at the below dates are now open for application - https://www.edinburghkiltmakersacademy.com/pages/introduction-to-kiltmaking-course
• 18th May - 29th May
• 22nd June - 3rd July
Our Information Days will also be announced soon. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear of dates and further details - https://www.edinburghkiltmakersacademy.com/pages/newsletter-sign-up
08/01/2026
One of the highlights for our kiltmaking students are our visits to Lochcarron of Scotland
Located in the Scottish Borders, this historic weaving mill offers a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes of tartan production.
It’s a chance to gain a deeper understanding of how tartan is woven, while having the chance to ask questions directly to the experts.
đź’ˇ Interested in learning kiltmaking? Our 2026 Introductory courses at the below dates are now open for application - https://www.edinburghkiltmakersacademy.com/pages/introduction-to-kiltmaking-course
• 18th May - 29th May
• 22nd June - 3rd July
Our Information Days will also be announced soon. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear of dates and further details -https://www.edinburghkiltmakersacademy.com/pages/newsletter-sign-up
