Our Story

Our rich history, coupled with our unrivalled passion for innovation, gives us a lot to talk about. Explore Our Story to learn more about our unique Scottish heritage, superb craftsmanship, and the inspiration behind our luxurious collections.

A Tribute to Our Founder

To mark the 250th Anniversary of our founder, Alexander Johnston (31 December 1774 – 16 March 1864), we’ve created a covetable limited edition blanket. Referencing designs from one of the oldest pattern books in our Archive.

Celebrating 175 Years of Vicuña

Once reserved for royalty, soft honey-toned vicuña boasts a rich history. As we celebrate 175 years of working with this exceptional fibre, we look at what makes it so special.

Johnstons of Elgin: Raven in the Wild

If I won the lottery I wouldn’t tell anyone, but there would be signs. I’d quietly flourish, getting somehow hotter and somehow taller more generally remarkable. As a passive observer, it would be hard to put your finger on what had changed. But I’d be more rebellious and more playful, more dangerous but also more alluring (all this just means more sexy).

Richard Gaston | Friends of Johnstons of Elgin

For this instalment of our "Friends Of' series, we sit down for a chat - over a steaming pot of green tea, no less - with Glasgow-based Photographer, Richard Gaston. As ever, Richard is wide-grinned and open-armed, eager to get into conversation, and the passion towards his craft is palpable from the moment we begin to speak.

Kindred Spirits

Celebrating our fellow creatives – talented, skilled craftspeople and artists whose ethos mirrors our own. We feel drawn to individuals and brands that share our core values - the craftsmanship, heritage, innovation and community focus that has driven our success.

Oliver Spendley | Sculptor

As we prepared to open doors to our new Burlington Arcade Boutique earlier this month, we sought out the skillset of local Scottish craftspeople to help make the ‘House’ a home. Amongst the talent was sculptor, Oliver Spendley. Based in the Highlands, Oliver spends his days perfecting his craft in creating Totem-style furniture and sculptures using natural, sustainably sourced materials. We chat more about the project he created for our new store and the inspiration behind it, whilst learning more about his venture.

Yuthanan - Creative & Photographer

For our AW24 Eastern Lens chapter, we took on the creative vision of founder-cum- photographer Nicholas Yuthanan Chalmeau (Yuthanan, for short) as we embody our new season pieces in his home country, Japan.

Hayley Anderson - Print Artist

As part of our Kindred Spirits series, where we collaborate with craftspeople who share our values and ethos, Hayley created a stunning exclusive linoleum print of our historic Clock Tower.

227 Years Young

How do you define a sense of place? Made in Scotland isn’t just the three words stitched on a label – it’s who we are and who we have been for 227 years. We are always authentic. Always rooted in nature. Always made in Scotland.

Chapter 1

A sense of place: Made in Scotland Scotland, 1797. A young man with imagination is about to make his mark. Discover Our Story.

Chapter 2

A spirit of global adventure We have worked with natural, renewable, biodegradable fibres since 1797, and our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of our brand’s values.

Chapter 3

A commitment to quality: Craftsmanship For Eddie Harrison, Scottish craftsmanship was a passion, a creative force and a channel for great artistry. Craftsmanship, he said, is in the blood.

Chapter 4

A family business: Looking after our people Behind every warp, weave and stitch of each Johnstons of Elgin product is the story of our commitment to people. In turn, the loyalty of our team has enabled us to thrive. This emotional connection has existed since our founding.