ScotlandShop expands into Canada with acquisition of historic Highland Dress business

Scottish Borders-based ScotlandShop is expanding its international presence with the takeover of Toronto-based William Glen & Son, one of Canada's established Highland dress and kilt specialists.

The takeover completes on 1 November 2026, bringing William Glen into the ScotlandShop family and marking the latest milestone in the growth of the Scottish-owned business founded by Anna White in 2002.

ScotlandShop now employs 32 people across four locations – its headquarters in Duns, shops in Edinburgh and Crieff, and its US operation in Upstate New York. The William Glen acquisition adds two employees in Canada, taking the wider business to 34 people across three countries.

Two Scottish businesses, one remarkable history

William Glen's Canadian story began in Toronto in 1998, where the business developed a

reputation for custom-made kilts, Highland dress, kilt hire and Scottish clothing and gifts, serving weddings, Highland games, families, clans and Scottish organisations.

But its Scottish roots stretch much further back. The William Glen name dates to 1869, when the business began as a small drapery shop in Callander, Scotland, established during a period of growth driven by the development of the railway. William Glen & Son Limited was formally incorporated in Scotland in 1967.

In a fitting connection, ScotlandShop founder Anna White first met William Glen owner Mike Cantlay more than a year ago at the company's registered offices in Callander – where the William Glen story began.

Anna White, founder of ScotlandShop, said: “There is something particularly special about bringing William Glen into the ScotlandShop family. Both businesses have strong Scottish roots and a real passion for Highland dress, textiles and, most importantly, people.

“William Glen has built an exceptional reputation in Canada and we are delighted to be able to continue that tradition while bringing more of the ScotlandShop collection to Canadian customers.”

Growing the Scottish offering in Canada

The existing William Glen team, including Highland dress specialists Darren Purse and

Peter Campbell, will continue to serve customers, with ScotlandShop retaining the company's expertise in made-to-measure kilts, trews, trousers, waistcoats and Highland clothing.

The Canadian business will also introduce ScotlandShop's wider collections, including its stand out women's designs such as the Kate Coat, kilted skirts and dresses, together with an expanded range of Scottish accessories and gifts.

ScotlandShop will also develop William Glen's kilt hire service across Canada, with outfits available for delivery for weddings, events and celebrations. The expansion comes in time for St Andrew's Night on 30 November, one of the major dates in Canada's Scottish calendar.

From the Scottish Borders to the world

Since launching ScotlandShop in 2002, Anna White has grown the business from its Scottish Borders roots into an international specialist in tartan, Scottish textiles, Highland dress and contemporary Scottish clothing.

The Canadian move is the latest step in that international growth, following the development of ScotlandShop's Scottish retail network, its US operation and the acquisition of House of Tartan.

White added: “ScotlandShop has always been about people and communities. We are proud to continue the William Glen story and to help connect even more people in Canada with Scotland, its tartans and its heritage.”

Learn more about what ScotlandShop has to offer here: www.scotlandshop.com