OUR HERITAGE
From St Kilda
to Glasgow
In 1884, Christina MacQueen was born on St Kilda, one of Scotland’s most remote island communities. She left the island in 1909 and settled in Glasgow.
Her grandson, Robert Scott Chalmers (Scott), drew on that heritage when he founded Gaelic Themes and the St Kilda Group in 1999. The name was chosen as a straightforward acknowledgement of his family’s origins — and of the resilience and craftsmanship that defined island life.
A defining step in the early years was acquiring the exclusive rights to the clan-crest artwork created by Romilly Squire of Rubislaw, one of Scotland’s leading heraldic artists.
His hand-drawn designs became the foundation for Gaelic Themes’ clan-crest range and remain the accepted standard for modern heraldic imagery. Today, the St Kilda Group maintains these rights in partnership with The Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopaedia, ensuring each crest continues to be produced in Scotland to the highest specification.
Preserving
Heraldic Art
A Modern Scottish
Manufacturer
From a small workshop in Glasgow, Gaelic Themes began with traditional Highland accessories — kilt pins, clan badges, sgian dubhs, belt buckles and high-quality kilt hose — made in Scotland to a consistent standard of design and finish.
Made in Scotland
— and it starts in Scotland.”
Gaelic Themes forms part of the wider St Kilda Group, alongside St Kilda Publications and R. G. Hardie & Co.
Through its publishing arm, the group produces The Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopaedia by George Way and Romilly Squire — the leading modern reference for Scotland’s clans and families. In 2015, the group’s work on the encyclopaedia was recognised in the UK Parliament for its contribution to preserving Scottish heritage.
From its Glasgow base, the St Kilda Group continues to design and manufacture kilts, tailoring, accessories and musical instruments that represent the best of Scottish industry.
The St Kilda
Group Today
Growth and
Development
As demand grew, Gaelic Themes expanded into Highland footwear, developing brogues that set new standards for comfort and durability, which are now widely worn by pipe bands and formalwear customers around the world.
The company later invested in tailoring, acquiring Vernon Bros Tailors of Leeds, a respected maker of formal jackets and trews. Around 2015, the tailoring division was relocated to Glasgow, bringing kilt-making, tailoring and metalwork together under one roof.
A Passion
for Heritage
Alongside manufacturing, founder Scott Chalmers remained passionate about Scottish history and the people behind its traditions. One of his personal projects was St Kilda: My Island Home — a compilation of his grandmother Christina MacQueen’s recollections and writings, assembled by a member of the Gaelic Themes team.
The project reflected his lifelong connection to the island and its legacy. Scott led the company until his passing in 2022. His son, Bob Chalmers, continues that work today — maintaining the same focus on quality, integrity, and respect for Scottish heritage.
Gaelic Themes forms part of the wider St Kilda Group, alongside St Kilda Publications and R. G. Hardie & Co.
Through its publishing arm, the group produces The Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopaedia by George Way and Romilly Squire — the leading modern reference for Scotland’s clans and families. In 2015, the group’s work on the encyclopaedia was recognised in the UK Parliament for its contribution to preserving Scottish heritage.
From its Glasgow base, the St Kilda Group continues to design and manufacture kilts, tailoring, accessories and musical instruments that represent the best of Scottish industry.
The St Kilda Group Today
Growth and Development
As demand grew, Gaelic Themes expanded into Highland footwear, developing brogues that set new standards for comfort and durability, which are now widely worn by pipe bands and formalwear customers around the world.
The company later invested in tailoring, acquiring Vernon Bros Tailors of Leeds, a respected maker of formal jackets and trews. Around 2015, the tailoring division was relocated to Glasgow, bringing kilt-making, tailoring and metalwork together under one roof.
A Passion for Heritage
Alongside manufacturing, founder Scott Chalmers remained passionate about Scottish history and the people behind its traditions. One of his personal projects was St Kilda: My Island Home — a compilation of his grandmother Christina MacQueen’s recollections and writings, assembled by a member of the Gaelic Themes team.
The project reflected his lifelong connection to the island and its legacy. Scott led the company until his passing in 2022. His son, Bob Chalmers, continues that work today — maintaining the same focus on quality, integrity, and respect for Scottish heritage.
From St Kilda to Glasgow
In 1884, Christina MacQueen was born on St Kilda...
Preserving Heraldic Art
A defining step in the early years was acquiring exclusive rights...
A Modern Scottish Manufacturer
From a small workshop in Glasgow...
Growth & Development
As demand grew, Gaelic Themes expanded...
The St Kilda Group Today
Gaelic Themes forms part of the wider St Kilda Group...
A Passion for Heritage
Alongside manufacturing, founder Scott Chalmers remained passionate...