17/10/2026
UNESCO established Intangible Cultural Heritage Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s living heritage, including the traditions and skills passed from one generation to the next.
Traditional kiltmaking is part of this living heritage.
Beyond the finished kilt lies a wealth of knowledge and skill that relies on careful teaching and practice to be passed on.
The Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy, founded by Gordon Nicolson in 2016, helps safeguard this craft through practical training delivered to a clearly defined standard. Students gain the tools and knowledge needed to become skilled kiltmakers, alongside developing a deeper understanding of the wider industry.
This insight helps students forge their path into the industry, whether by establishing a business of their own or joining the team at Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers
As an accredited Living Wage employer, we are also committed to supporting the people who keep this craft alive and helping to set a positive example for the wider kiltmaking industry.
By connecting education with professional practice, the EKA and GNK are helping to build a sustainable future for traditional kiltmaking.
nicolsonkiltmakers.com
edinburghkiltmakersacademy.com
Photos by Stacey Bentley, featuring our lead EKA tutor, Rachel Bell, working with our exclusive Flodden tartan.
