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.
International Tweed Day 2025
Royal recognition. As we celebrate International Tweed Day 2025, we reflect on one of the most iconic Estate Tweed patterns, the Glenurquhart, and its enduring connection to the Balmacaan and Johnstons of Elgin.
Announcing our Royal Warrant
We are incredibly proud to announce that we have been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty The King as Manufacturers of Estate Tweeds, Knitwear, and Woven Accessories. This prestigious honour reflects our enduring commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and sustainability.
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.
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.