Whisky firm under fire for Harrison Ford TV advert featuring kilt made by English firm
Whisky giant Glenmorangie has come under fire after the kilt worn by Harrison Ford in its new TV ads was created by an English skateboarding firm.
The Indiana Jones actor is the star of the company’s ads promoting two of their malt brands.
The 12-part series features the 82-year- old American actor at Ardross Castle – home of BBC’s 'The Traitors' – and workers at Glenmorangie’s distillery in Tain, Easter Ross.
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However, the kilt worn by the Star Wars legend was created by London-based company Palace, which specialises in skateboarding clothing and other designer streetwear.
Scots kilt makers have criticised the decision to hand the contract to an English firm.
Kilt maker Daiglen of Scotland’s managing director Iain Hawthorne said: “Glenmorangie are very much a Scottish brand.
“If a kilt is being made they should be seeking a Scottish kilt manufacturer.
“They use fine Scottish water, we used fine Scottish wool.”
The boss of the firm, based in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, added: “Would I have preferred to see a Scottish company make a kilt for Mr Ford? Absolutely.
“It should have been produced in Scotland under a Scottish name.
“We would have been delighted to have had the opportunity of making the kilt for Mr Ford, having already made ones for a number of other celebrities.”
John Culbert, owner of one of the biggest kilt manufacturers, Glenisla Kilts, believes it would have been a boost for the industry in Scotland to have the Blade Runner star wearing one made by a firm from north of the Border.
John, 73, whose company is based in Lanarkshire, said: “For Harrison Ford we would have liked to have had the opportunity to make the kilt.
“It is disappointing and annoying not to have been given a chance.
“It’s certainly something we would have made a big fuss about had we been asked.
John, who got an MBE last month for services to the fashion and textile industry, added: “Skateboarding and whisky drinking doesn’t go together anyway.”
Glenisla’s customers include Slaters, Burberry, Prada and Vivienne Westwood’s Worlds End store, who all sell the company’s kilts under their own brand names.
Glenmorangie’s marketing campaign was made by Australian actor-director Joel Edgerton, who appeared in two Star Wars films, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.
The series of adverts show Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old and The Infinita 18 Years Old, in Tain.
Ford is seen putting on the kilt for the first time in the fourth episode after it is left on his bed.
Viewers are able to read a message which says: “From your friends at Palace.”
Celebrities who have worn Palace clothing include Seth Rogen, Drake, Kanye West, Jay Z and Justin Bieber.
The company has shops in London, New York, Tokyo and Seoul.
In an interview last week, referencing his kilt makers, Ford said: “There are two things I’ve never been able to do – stand up on a surfboard and stand up on a skateboard.”
A spokesperson for Glenmorangie said: “This campaign is a love letter to Scotland, showcasing the stunning scenery, incredible whisky and our historic distillery to a global audience. Across the campaign we worked with a wide range of Scottish companies to bring it to life and are looking forward to sharing more exciting partnerships in the coming months.”
The Sunday Mail contacted Palace for comment. They did not respond.
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