Brian Halley

Careers in engineering, car rental and gardening were not colourful enough for Brian Halley.

A love of "all things tartan" spurred Brian on to explore the idea of setting up business with his brother, Craig. Brian's enthusiasm combined with Craig's expertise in textiles resulted in his own company, Slanjkilts.

Brian returned to Scotland, from engineering contracts in Africa, to pursue his dream. Craig had already worked with the likes of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and could boast contacts in the industry throughout Europe.

Non-traditional clothing

As Brian explains, Slanjkilts is more than an outlet for those looking for traditional Highland wear: "We are involved in many areas of clothing design. We design tartans for corporate customers and have three of our own Slanj tartan designs.

"We have a licence agreement with the SFA (Scottish Football Association) to supply all their kilts, while tartan suits have proved very popular with celebrities. Our range of products from socks to sgian dubhs (ceremonial dagger worn as part of modern Scottish highland dress) have attracted interest from around the globe."

Seeking business help 

Scottish Enterprise have been a great source of help for the business since it was first set up in 1995. Slanjkilts currently have stores in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, working with designers from as far afield as Finland and Poland.

"I enjoy all aspects of the business," says Brian, "especially product design and dealing with celebrity customers which has opened up a whole new world for me. We pride ourselves in employing staff with high quality skills in customer care, and a real love for tartan."

Related links

• Slanjkilts
  
• Scottish Enterprise
  
• Scottish Football Association (SFA)