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Our Story

For the Greater Good

We make luxury Scottish cashmere accessories. But we don’t just make scarves for the sake of selling scarves. We aim to be part of something much, much bigger.

Our ambition is to help preserve the legacy of the Scottish Borders textile industry. But we also aim to take it forwards, to help it to grow and prosper, to support local jobs and families, and to leave an indelible mark for the better. We want to create something unique and special. This is our passion, and we are driven from within. We don’t exist to simply make profit – but to sustain industries that have always been the heart of the Scottish Borders economy. And to be sustainable in doing so. We must help leave the world a better place. We also look to the next generation, to prepare an environment that’s ready and thriving for them. We are the connection between the textile past and future. This is our time to be leaders now.

Made in Modern Scotland

The Scottish Borders has built a global reputation for quality fabric and design since the days of the Enlightenment.

Kinalba is proudly based in Galashiels which is at the heart of the Scottish Borders and textile heritage. Galashiels had its first mill open around 1800 and from that period it soon became known throughout the world as a producer of black and white checked cloth called ‘Shepherd’s Plaid’ – also known as Borders Tartan. This was a favourite of Sir Walter Scott who popularised tartan globally during this period. Sir Walter Scott built and resided at his Abbotsford home, on the outskirts of Galashiels. Kinalba exclusively produces the Abbotsford cashmere scarf in Sir Walter Scott’s Shepherd’s Plaid.

 

 

From the days of the Enlightenment, the Scottish Borders went on to become the epicentre of high quality clothing and fabric manufacturing. The continued focus on using natural fibres means they are still favourites amongst both ordinary people and royalty, as well as the world’s top fashion designers.

Kinalba exclusively produces the Abbotsford cashmere scarf in Sir Walter Scott’s Shepherd's Plaid.  

Heritage

Kinalba is a family company. Our personal history in this industry started when my Father, Duncan Paterson, became a dyer at Kemp Blair & Co in his hometown of Galashiels – before eventually taking it over in the 1970s. It was here where he worked closely with the famous textile designer and artist, Bernat Klein, on unique dyeing and finishing techniques. It was this partnership that led to the development of a resist dip-dyed yarn which was woven into some of Bernat Klein’s products. Today, we are now part of the overall stewardship of the Scottish Borders textile industry – and maintaining the traditional heritage that has been preserved through generations for some 300 years. While our heritage and roots are firmly originating from the past, our outlook is set to the future.

Kinalba is part of the new Scottish modernist movement and seeks to bring a dynamic fresh dimension to luxury Scottish cashmere.

Our Key People

Sinclair Paterson

Founder & Production Director

Sinclair Paterson is one of Scotland’s leading experts in textile manufacturing. Trained at the prestigious School of Textiles and Design in Galashiels, he went on to become the Operations Director at Johnstons of Elgin before reassigning his textiles passion into his own business. With an exceptional degree of technical knowledge, operational skill and leadership, his aim is to create the very best Scottish cashmere products possible.

Debbie Paterson

Founder & Business Director

Debbie Paterson has a strong track record in business and marketing. Graduating from the University of Strathclyde in 2001, she has spent over 20 years as an expert in communication. Her particular focus is to provide exemplary service through her attention to detail and desire to ensure every customer experience is tailored to their needs. Debbie oversees the ongoing development of the business in new markets as well as looking after existing customers and helping them to grow.

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Gift Wrapping - Information

Have your luxurious Kinalba product gift wrapped in elegant, sustainable packaging. Our gift to you is that it’s completely free of charge – as is delivery. We will handwrite your message for that personal touch. You can include this in the check out process before payment. Thank you for shopping with Kinalba x

Terms

  • All packaging is recyclable and intended to be used as many times as possible to store your product or for any other purpose.
  • Packaging includes tissue paper to protect your product and then inserted into a Kinalba branded gift envelope (tied with a tartan ribbon during the Festive Season). If you have purchased a Balvenie Throw then we use a large Kinalba box.
  • Notes are hand-written on recycled A6 card and are limited to 120 characters.
  • Where possible we will reduce the amount of packaging by placing two items in one gift envelope.
  • Our service is free of charge.

Gift Wrapping - Information

Have your luxurious Kinalba product gift wrapped in elegant, sustainable packaging. Our gift to you is that it’s completely free of charge – as is delivery. We will handwrite your message for that personal touch. You can include this in the check out process before payment. Thank you for shopping with Kinalba x

Terms

  • All packaging is recyclable and intended to be used as many times as possible to store your product or for any other purpose.
  • Packaging includes tissue paper to protect your product and then inserted into a Kinalba branded gift envelope (tied with a tartan ribbon during the Festive Season). If you have purchased a Balvenie Throw then we use a large Kinalba box.
  • Notes are hand-written on recycled A6 card and are limited to 120 characters.
  • Where possible we will reduce the amount of packaging by placing two items in one gift envelope.
  • Our service is free of charge.