ScotlandShop pushes into Canada with acquisition of storied kilt specialist William Glen
“Both businesses have strong Scottish roots and a real passion for Highland dress, textiles and, most importantly, people” – Anna White
Borders-based ScotlandShop is expanding its international presence after sealing the the takeover of a storied Canadian Highland dress, gift and kilt specialist.
The acquisition of Toronto-based William Glen & Son marks the latest milestone in the growth of the ScotlandShop business, which was founded by Anna White in 2002.
The firm employs 32 people across four locations - its main base in Duns, shops in Edinburgh and Crieff, and its US operation in Upstate New York. The William Glen acquisition adds two employees on the ground in Canada.
William Glen’s Canadian story began in Toronto in 1998, where the business developed a reputation for custom-made kilts, Highland dress, kilt hire and Scottish clothing and gifts, serving weddings, Highland Games, families, clans and Scottish organisations.
But its Scottish roots stretch back further. The William Glen name dates to 1869, when the business began as a small drapery shop in Callander, established during a period of growth driven by the development of the railway. William Glen & Son Limited was formally incorporated in Scotland in 1967.
In a fitting connection, ScotlandShop’s founder first met William Glen owner Mike Cantlay more than a year ago at the company’s registered offices in Callander - where the William Glen story began.
White said: “There is something particularly special about bringing William Glen into the ScotlandShop family. Both businesses have strong Scottish roots and a real passion for Highland dress, textiles and, most importantly, people.
“William Glen has built an exceptional reputation in Canada and we are delighted to be able to continue that tradition while bringing more of the ScotlandShop collection to Canadian customers.”
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The existing William Glen team, including Highland dress specialists Darren Purse and Peter Campbell, will continue to serve customers, with ScotlandShop retaining the company’s expertise in made-to-measure kilts, trews, trousers, waistcoats and Highland clothing.
The Canadian business will also introduce ScotlandShop’s wider collections, including its women’s designs such as the Kate Coat, kilted skirts and dresses, together with an expanded range of Scottish accessories and gifts.
ScotlandShop will also develop William Glen’s kilt hire service across Canada, with outfits available for delivery for weddings, events and celebrations.
The Canadian move is the latest step in the firm’s international growth, following the development of ScotlandShop’s Scottish retail network, its US operation and the acquisition of House of Tartan - a deal that was sealed in March 2024.
White added: “ScotlandShop has always been about people and communities. We are proud to continue the William Glen story and to help connect even more people in Canada with Scotland, its tartans and its heritage.”
Since launching ScotlandShop in 2002, White has grown the business from its Scottish Borders roots into an international specialist in tartan, Scottish textiles, Highland dress and contemporary Scottish clothing.
The expansion comes in time for Saint Andrew’s Night on November 30, one of the major dates in Canada’s Scottish calendar. In Scotland, Saint Andrew’s Day is seen as the start of a season of Scottish winter festivals encompassing Saint Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night.
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