Kinloch Anderson Timeline

The Start of Kinloch Anderson Timeline

More than 150 years ago, William Anderson laid the foundations for what would become the modern Kinloch Anderson. Together with his two sons, William Joseph Kinloch Anderson and Andrew Hislop Anderson, he founded William Anderson & Sons Limited, setting the stage for a legacy of excellence that continues to this day.

Their business began on North Bridge, in the ‘tailors’ district of Edinburgh just along from where the Balmoral Hotel stands today.

Interestingly, William Joseph Kinloch Anderson married Mary Wilson from Ballencrieff, East Lothian.  Together they had eleven children

While Andrew Hislop Anderson married Joanna Hope Scott – a direct descendant of Sir Walter Scott.  

Notably, councillor William Joseph Kinloch Anderson donated a magnificent stone sundial to the people of Edinburgh which still stands today in Inverleith Park.

Thereafter, William Joseph Kinloch Anderson became Baillie Kinloch Anderson after being elected to the Magistracy in Edinburgh.

When William Joseph Kinloch Anderson died in 1901, after 6 months, Andrew Hislop Anderson also died. 

They left their sons, William Kinloch Anderson and William Hislop Anderson, in charge of the company.

Outstandingly, William Anderson and Sons becomes a supplier to King Edward VII. Therefore, the relationship between the company and the Royal family can be traced to this particular moment.

Military Tailoring during the First World War

As William Anderson and Sons continues to grow, they start making military uniforms for Scottish regiments in the First World War.

As a consequence to the company's growth, it's their move to George Street in Edinburgh.  Primarily, this afforded a prime position for the brand, with the shop on the ground floor and manufacturing on the floors above.

Thus, long service awards are given to nine employees of William Anderson and Sons.  The staff honoured were J Clark (49 years), J Perry (42 years), A Sterling (37 years), A Moffatt (35 years), R Ross (35 years), WD MacLennan (34 years), J Moyes (32 years), J Mavor (30 years) and W Blyth (29 ½ years)

The First 'Ready to Wear' Collection

While moving with and ahead of the times, William Anderson and Sons predict the future market trends and create a ‘Ready to Wear’ department.  This included men’s lounge suits, jackets, raincoats and overcoats.

The First Royal Warrant

A particular milestone in Kinloch Anderson Timeline goes back to 1934, when the company gets their first Royal Warrant from HM King George V.

In the meantime, William Kinloch Anderson becomes Master of the Merchant Company of Edinburgh.

Notably, the company is granted a second Royal Warrant to HM King George VI.

When William Kinloch Anderson dies, his son WJ Kinloch Anderson takes the lead of the company.

As part of his strategy, WJ Kinloch Anderson sets up Kinloch Anderson Ltd as a wholesale subsidiary company.

Kinloch Anderson is granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment as Tailors and Kiltmakers to Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh grants the company a Royal Warrant.

The 5th Generation of the business starts when Douglas Kinloch Anderson joins the business.

Expanding the company's global development, Douglas Kinloch Anderson begins travelling to Japan to develop licensee partnerships in Asia.

The Queen's Award for Export 

Thus, Kinloch Anderson is awarded the Queen’s Award for Export.

Finally, the company’s third Royal Warrant is granted by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

Due to the conspicuous demand coming from abroad, a large skirt manufacturing facility is opened in Restalrig, Edinburgh.

As a consequence, Douglas Kinloch Anderson receives an OBE for services to Export.

While the company continues to grow, Kinloch Anderson moves from Restalrig to its current building in Leith, Edinburgh.

The Kinloch Anderson Timeline reaches the 6th Generation when John Kinloch Anderson joins the family business.

Notably, Deirdre Kinloch Anderson receives an OBE for her services to the textile industry.  She was instrumental in the establishment of the Scottish Register of Tartans in 2009.

In order to widen customer appeal, the Kinloch Anderson 1868 Tweed Collection is launched – going back to the ready to wear days of the 1920’s with a nod to the classic styles of men’s outfitting from the previous generations of the business.

Kinloch Anderson celebrates is 150^th Anniversary.  This included the restoration of the Sundial which Councillor Kinloch Anderson gave to the people of Edinburgh in 1890

Making A Change for A More Sustainable Future

As part of the sustainability policy Kinloch Anderson launch their dog range which uses either recycled fillings or fibres made from recycled ocean plastic.

Click here to read more about our sustainability policy.

A Royal Warrant of Appointment

Kinloch Anderson is proud to be granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III as Tailors and Kiltmakers.