About Us

Purposefully made cashmere

Heritage

Kinalba utilises extraordinary craftsmanship to fashion a modern authentic twist on Scottish cashmere design. While our heritage and roots firmly originate from the past, our outlook is set to the future. An artisanal craftsmanship that has endured for hundreds of years.

Quality

True luxury derives from unrivalled quality, attention to detail, modern design and superior cashmere fibre. None of which are possible without the skills of generations of Border textile artisans, found within the rolling hills and gentle waters of the Scottish Borders.

Slow Fashion

This is luxury Scottish cashmere made over the slowness of time, with love and care. We invite you to slow down and take a moment to enjoy the sensory aspect of our luxury cashmere products. Value being able to pause for a minute and look at what’s important.

Craftsmanship

The Scottish Borders has a long-held reputation for producing some of the world’s most luxurious fabrics, built on a blend of heritage expertise, traditional skills and design innovation. The Kinalba approach sits at the very top of this pinnacle. Kinalba uses only the finest cashmere fibres - sourced from the Alashan region of Inner Mongolia. Here they raise their flocks of goats at high
altitude and allow them to roam freely over the mountain plateaus. It is this unique combination of geographic, climatic and dietary conditions that allows the goats to produce the finest cashmere.

Philosophy

Our purpose is for the greater good of our region, our industry, our people and communities and our environment. Placing the highest standards on sustainability of our people and planet is at the heart of what we do. As members of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance we demonstrate that our ethical values toward animal welfare and grassland conservation are integral to our overall sustainable approach, which begins at source.

Our Approach

Customers are at the heart of everything we do, we care about each and every order that comes through, as a small business it means the world to us. We offer a professional and friendly service and a customer-focused sales approach, which will always be tailored to your needs. Guiding you effortlessly along the way. Gift wrapping is always free of charge as we want to make sharing our luxury cashmere with your loved ones as special delivering it yourself.

Our Ethos

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.

Family Brand

A family company, run by Sinclair & Debbie Paterson, is woven through generations. Sinclair’s father 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.

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, 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.