SCOONIE KILTS HAS SUCCESS ALL SEWN UP

A love of sewing and a chance conversation about kilt making spurred Alison Christie to learn how to make a traditional kilt and ultimately set up her own business.

With support from Business Gateway Fife, the 50-year-old, from Leven, launched Scoonie Kilts in 2015, specialising in bespoke handstitched traditional tailored kilts and Highland dancewear, in addition to purses, scarves, shawls and bags.

“I live on a busy farm and now that my children are older I wanted to run a business from home that would be flexible and fit in with farm life,” said Alison.  “I’d grown up in the north of Scotland and my father wore kilts on many occasions – from weddings to walking on the hills - and I’d always been interested in how kilts were constructed, so I signed up for a course not thinking it would lead to my own business.

“There is a lot to think about but I had a great support from Business Gateway Fife.  My adviser Shona Morrison helped me with business planning and also helped me secure a Create in Fife Grant that enabled me to purchase specialist pressing equipment and a blind hemming machine.

“I would advise anyone looking to start a new business to listen to all the advice that is available and accept all the help given. Talking to Business Gateway Fife is a great place to start as they have all sorts of help and courses on offer.”

To find out how Business Gateway Fife can help you call us on 01592 858333 or to view other case studies, click here.