Scottish Cashmere in Scotland

[CunningSmeagol]

Is it possible to get good Scottish cashmere in Scotland for less than you would pay here?

If so, where?

 

[academe]

^ Where are you? How much do you pay? What brands?

 

[RSN125]

...

 

[CunningSmeagol]

Edinburgh, budget i guess is $200-$600 per but basically I want 'much better than RLBL', vnecks, shawl necks, scarves, cardigans, scarves, etc. My GF is visiting her sister there for about a week.

 

[CunningSmeagol]

Originally Posted by RSN125

I'm curious where I can order some Ballantyne from the UK...considering the exchange rate.

I understand Ballantizzle is made in Italizzle these days.

 

[academe]

Originally Posted by CunningSmeagol

Edinburgh, budget i guess is $200-$600 per but basically I want 'much better than RLBL', vnecks, shawl necks, scarves, cardigans, scarves, etc. My GF is visiting her sister there for about a week.

I'm guessing you're American. For that price range, I'd look for things by Johnstons of Elgin. I've also seen a few things by Lochcarron that I like. Both manufacturers still make things in Scotland AFAIK. I think Ballantyne is overpriced and overrated. They've got an international brand identity, but that also comes with a big mark-up. Pringle is roughly of the same ilk as Ballantyne - some nice stuff, but lots of hype. Nevertheless, if she sees something at a good price (lots of sales right now) she should just pick something up.

Johnstons have a store in St Andrews if she wants to visit. Locharron have a store in Selkirk and Melrose in the Scottish borders. St Andrews is about 1 1/2 hours north of Edinburgh, and Melrose and Selkirk are around 45 minutes to an hour away. I don't know Edinburgh that well, but I'm guessing that some of the mid to high end department stores will carry both brands' products (e.g., Harvey Nichols, etc.). I'd also suggest she look at Ede and Ravenscroft - Holdfast may know better than I - but they've carried cashmere in their RTW collections in the past. If she has time, you may suggest a trip to Glasgow - the shopping there is generally better than Edinburgh. Good luck!

 

[FIHTies]

Originally Posted by CunningSmeagol

Edinburgh, budget i guess is $200-$600 per but basically I want 'much better than RLBL', vnecks, shawl necks, scarves, cardigans, scarves, etc. My GF is visiting her sister there for about a week.

Hmmm....

I dont think that I have anything on my site for more than 600 dollars and you will be getting either Alex Begg Scottish Cashmere scarves, Murray Allan Scottish Cashmere Sweaters or Colombo Cashmere Italian Cashmere Sweaters/Vests and Scarves.

Yeah, basically I am one big heaping

but I am just sayin.

 

[misterjase]

I have bought a cashmere sweater (Murray Allan) from Jonathan at FIH and can vouch for the fact it is beautiful stuff. I was most pleased.