Heavy duty kilt is cold comfort on snow slopes

IT is traditional wear for Scots heading out on the piste - now a celebrity kilt designer has developed a dedicated garment for snowboarding enthusiasts.

The unique creation is reversible, featuring herringbone tweed on one side, with waterproof nylon on the other, allowing winter sports fans to hit the slopes with a lighter, more practical design than offered by ordinary kilts.

The idea is the brainchild of Howie Nicholsby, who has made a name for himself by offering alternative versions of Scotland's national dress.

He was commissioned to make the winter sports kilt by Derek Quinn, a Canada-based snowboarding instructor.

Mr Nicholsby said he was constantly mindful of safety features when creating the design.

"It's custom-built for snowboarding," he explained. "There are sponges built in around the buckles so that you don't get hurt if you fall. It's more functional than a normal kilt."

"We've done a lot of kilts that are very robust over the years, but it's still a fashon item which can stand by itself when it comes to high-end snowboarding gear."