Aberdeen-based Highlandwear company McCalls has secured Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) funding to help expand its offering as it navigates the pandemic.
Established in 1887, the company now has seven stores in Aberdeen, Elgin, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee. It is one of the largest kilt makers, hirers, and retailers in Scotland.
Iain Hawthorne, who took over the business nearly 40 years ago, works with his wife, family and tight-knit management team, who have helped modernise the business in the face of Covid-19.
In face of temporary store closures and wedding postponements, the past year has seen its 84-strong workforce adapt to conduct virtual consultations through Zoom and lead socially distanced fittings in store, where restrictions allowed.
The funding from Royal Bank of Scotland has assisted McCalls in updating its marketing strategy and incorporating these newfound ways of working.
In addition, it will support with staff retention and re-training, as well as ensuring the continued operation of its Tillicoultry factory, Daiglen of Scotland.
Iain Hawthorne, owner and managing director of McCalls, said: “Coronavirus brought with it a number of difficulties, but our resilient team have been fantastic in adapting to new ways of working, to ensure our operations can continue.
"Thankfully, we have been able to move 90% of Covid affected bookings to new dates due to their hard work.
"Our most valuable asset is our staff, and the funding has supported us in retaining their expertise - as a result, we are even more optimistic for the future.”
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter. Sign up here for free.
