2020 has been without doubt a very strange year, but at Merc we are determined to close it out in style, and with our AW20 range we are absolutely delighted to have teamed up with Lochcarron of Scotland to offer you three different 100% Lambswool Classic Tartan scarves.

Merc and Lochcarron, Dual Branded, Same Outlook. Classic and stylish look on the Stewart Dress Lambswool Collaboration.
Merc and Lochcarron, Dual Branded, Same Outlook. Classic and stylish look on the Stewart Dress Lambswool Collaboration.

Tartan has always been a mainstay of subculture clothing, initially adopted by the Punks and Skinheads, and to this day has a massive influence on Merc’s designs and creativity. From lining a Harrington Jacket or the piping on a Polo shirt to a pair of braces or a Tie, tartan always adds a classic touch.

Merc Thornhill Overcoat paired with the Stewart Royal Tartan Scarf.
Merc Thornhill Overcoat paired with the Stewart Royal Tartan Scarf.

We are honoured to have teamed up with another hugely respected heritage brand in Lochcarron, and are simply blown away by the dual branded scarves that deserve to be a focal point of any self respecting stylish winter collection!

The Black Watch Tartan Scarf - a simple, effective must-have!
The Black Watch Tartan Scarf - a simple, effective must-have!

The Stewart Royal, Stewart Dress and Black Watch scarves are classic additions to our AW20 collection, and we were delighted to spend some time with Leah from Lochcarron to learn a little bit more about their history and traditions that were vital in creating such an eye catching and exciting partnership!

Tell us about Lochcarron, with over 70 years of heritage, how did you come about?

In 1938, John Morris Buchan moved to the village of Lochcarron to help establish a small weaving mill. In 1947, he returned to the Scottish Borders and set up a small hand weaving company in Galashiels which eventually would become Lochcarron of Scotland. In 2006, Lochcarron of Scotland moved to Selkirk, our current location.

Locharron of Scotland, a true heritage brand.
Locharron of Scotland, a true heritage brand.

How did the collaboration between Merc and Lochcarron become a thing?

The friendship between Lochcarron of Scotland and Merc is not a new one, we have known each other for over a decade, and have often caught up at shows in London. We have worked together in the past and have talked about a collaboration.  This collaboration goes back to the core of what we do best, classic tartans that have had interesting and edgy associations, the Royal Stewart and Stewart Dress Modern have both been linked to punk, the Black Watch is an iconic understated tartan.

A close up of the Beautiful Stewart Royal Tartan.
A close up of the Beautiful Stewart Royal Tartan.

What is your personal favourite of the three scarves?

My personal favourite is the black watch, it is a true and enduring style icon in the tartan world.

Getting busy in the workshop with the Black Watch Tartan.
Getting busy in the workshop with the Black Watch Tartan.

In your opinion what makes these brands such a great match ?

Authenticity and heritage are a great combination.

With the colder weather coming, how can people get one of these "Winter Must haves"?

Our lambswool tartan scarves are stocked and can be ordered online on www.lochcarron.co.uk

Is there a best-selling tartan that you stock?

For sure the key best sellers are the Iconic Royal Stewart and the understated Black watch.

Is there a “typical” Lochcarron customer?

That’s a no…diverse in appeal and customer and we absolutely love that at Lochcarron!

Merc’s Love of Tartan features heavily in a wide range of our designs, with over 500 authentic designs at Lochcarron’s disposal, what is the enduring attraction of Tartan?

Tartan is Punk, School, family,  kilts, catwalk, kitsch, cool, sartorial, street, the list goes on and it’s firmly and lovingly etched into times and memories.

Putting it all together, how the Stewart Dress Tartan takes shape!
Putting it all together, how the Stewart Dress Tartan takes shape!

Both companies have a strong heritage appeal, how easy do you find it to appeal to a younger client base ?

Younger customers are very discerning and know their brands, they have more information at the their fingertips than previous generations and they seek out brands that appeal to them for more reasons than just fashion.

Aside from Scarves, what else does Lochcarron produce?

We are the World’s leading manufacturer of authentic tartans, we create, weave and stock over 500 tartans in cloth, and in various weights.  We sell cloth to International fashion houses, kilt makers, interior/furnishing designers. Tartan is at the core of everything we do, we have a strong, stock supported range of base cloths and accessories which can be turned into other products to service international design houses, kilt makers and traditional dress, interior and furnishers, home and apparel accessories, we have even sold to bespoke car makers for automotive interiors, slippers, trainers, hats.  The list is long and we’re extremely proud of our heritage. A Tartan for all occasions at Lochcarron.

What are Lochcarron’s plans for the next year?

We are currently working on a new online platform, creating a more intuitive shopping experience for our customers and plan to roll this out next year.

Do you have any famous customers?

We do, directly and indirectly, many celebrities have worn Lochcarron cloth and accessories.  Ewan MacGregor, Ed Sheeran, Samuel L Jackson, Gwen Stefani, Billy Connelly and last but definitely not least, even Her Majesty HRH The Queen is often seen with one of our cashmere blankets.

Words by Richie Kyle

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