McRostie of Glasgow is one of Scotland’s most enduring names in leather craftsmanship, a specialist manufacturer whose work is closely associated with the traditions of Highland dress. Founded in 1887 and based in Glasgow, the company has maintained a continuous presence in the production of fine leather goods, serving both domestic and international markets.
The house is best known for its sporrans, an essential element of Highland dress, which require a precise combination of leatherworking and metalwork. McRostie produces a wide range of sporrans, from traditional daywear styles to formal dress pieces, each constructed with attention to proportion, material, and finish. These items are not merely decorative but functional components of ceremonial attire, and their construction reflects this dual purpose.
In addition to sporrans, the company manufactures belts, straps, and a variety of leather accessories, all produced with the same emphasis on durability and refinement. Materials are carefully selected, and traditional techniques are applied throughout the making process, ensuring consistency of quality across its range.
McRostie supplies Highland outfitters, military regiments, pipe bands, and ceremonial clients, reflecting its established role within Scotland’s cultural and formal dress traditions. Its products are exported internationally, yet production remains rooted in its Glasgow workshop, where knowledge and skill are sustained through practice.
What distinguishes McRostie of Glasgow is its focus on a specific craft within a defined tradition. It represents a continuity of Scottish leatherworking applied to Highland dress, maintaining standards that have remained consistent for well over a century.
“Founded in 1887, McRostie of Glasgow is widely recognised as one of Scotland’s leading manufacturers of sporrans and Highland dress accessories. The company has supplied ceremonial leather goods to military regiments, pipe bands, and formal outfitters for generations, building a reputation for quality and reliability. Operating from Glasgow, McRostie continues to produce its goods in Scotland, preserving a specialised craft that remains integral to traditional Highland dress.” – Modern Scot