Taken from "The Edinburgh Evening News" 31 October, 2003.

Imports hit kilt-maker to the stars

A famous kilt-making firm which has designed outfits for stars including Madonna and Julia Roberts claims it is being forced out of business by cheap kilts imported from Pakistan. Scots family tartan expert Hugh MacPherson is to close this Christmas after nearly 70 years because owner Jean MacPherson is retiring.

But the 64-year-old, who has fitted kilts for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, has struggled to find a buyer for the company.

And she claims the reason for the lack of interest is due to a drop in business caused by competition from cheap "bad-quality" kilt imports. Now the historic genuinely Scottish shop which sells a vast range of Highland dress including sporrans, bagpipes and pipe music is to shut.

Hugh MacPherson set up the shop in Edinburgh’s Haymarket in 1946 and for more than half a century it has been regarded as one of Scotland’s finest kilt makers.

Over the years the shop has provided outfits for Julia Roberts, Madonna and Michael Caine.

A previous article in the Edinburgh Evening News contains an interview with Jean following her announcement that she intended to sell up. Final fling for Macpherson’s