Robert Mackie of Scotland will be definitively closing its traditional Scottish headwear line by January 31st, 2023, due to not selling enough of it to justify keeping it open.
They had been making Glengarries, Balmoral bonnets and other traditional hats since 1845 and there is no one in Scotland to replace them as of now.
As an owner of both Mackie headwear and Asian-made headwear, I can attest that there is a very large difference in quality and make. Unfortunately the widespread of cheaper headwear contributed to this loss, not to mention most Scots only wear kilts at weddings or funerals which leads to them renting their Highland wear rather than buying it. At worst, these rental agencies also rent Asian-made products; at best, they rent Scottish products but they do not bring any money to the industry after the original purchase of the rented accessories.
I am always very gutted to witness the disappearance of historical knowledge and craftsmanship. Mackie had been making their hats on the same devices as 200 years ago and this will now be lost.