Knitwear heritage brand Johnstons of Elgin may have been around for centuries, but how much do you know about the woollens and knitwear manufacturer?
The brand is running an amazing sale until the 16th of July, so there is no better time to dive into the history of Johnstons of Elgin and learn everything you need to know about the Scottish brand.
The beginnings
Alexander Johnston became an entrepreneur in 1797, when he established a cutting-edge woollen mill in Scotland, funded by his sister, Barbara.
Started in Scotland, Johnstons of Elgin is still proudly made in Scotland today, and has been fully vertical since 1811. From raw fibre to finished products, Johnstons of Elgin still completes everything on one site.
One of the brand’s most iconic textile, the Scottish Estate Tweed, was created in 1844, and the Super Balmoral Tweed, made for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was created in 1853.
In 1920, Eddie Harrison becomes owner after 16 years already working for the brand. Eddie transforms tweed, cashmere, and tartan, taking Scottish textiles to new heights.
Johnstons of Elgin is a heritage brand in every way: the company Chairman, Jenny Urquhart, is the great-granddaughter of former Johnstons of Elgin owner Eddie Harrison. Meanwhile, Sophie George, who interned with the brand back in 2019, is the great, great, great, great, great-granddaughter of company founder Alexander Johnston.
With a mill that has operated for over 225 years, the made in Scotland brand is arguably one of the best heritage brands in Britain.
Fit for royalty
From Queen Victoria to King Charles III, Johnstons of Elgin has a long history of royal approval.
Johnstons of Elgin was granted The King’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2024, which is valid for five years and took into account the brand’s commitment to reducing its impact on the environment, immediate communities, and those at the fibre source. This follows the award for Sustainable Development that they received in 2021 from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Since the ascension of King Charles III, the brand has also been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty The King as Manufacturers of Estate Tweeds, Knitwear and Woven Accessories.
The best of Scotland
A Royal Warrant is no small feat, and Johnstons of Elgin is now part of the small list of businesses to achieve this, recognising the brand’s commitment to the highest standards of manufacturing quality, craftsmanship and sustainability.
This is not the first time King Charles III has recognised Johnstons of Elgin, as the brand previously held a Royal Warrant for the Manufacturing of Estate Tweed Woollen Fabric to HM The King when he was HRH The Prince of Wales.
Johnstons of Elgin can display the Royal Arms on its products, proudly displaying its royal seal of approval.
A not-to-miss sale
For the best quality cashmere and merino wool pieces, made to last a lifetime, you can’t go wrong with Johnstons of Elgin.
And now, we can all get our hands on the best of Scottish heritage for less, with Johnstons of Elgin running a sale event until the 16th of July.
You can get up to 30% off on the brand’s timeless cashmere and merino wool designs, all made in Scotland. The sale includes both men’s and women’s collections, so nobody is left out.
Blending cashmere and fine craftsmanship, Johnstons of Elgin has been making the highest quality knitwear for over two centuries, and you can now get their knitwear, clothing and accessories for less for a limited time.
To take advantage of the sale, head to johnstonsofelgin.com.
