Member Article

Johnstons of Elgin brings luxury Scottish craftmanship to Caledonia Park

RPMI Railpen (Railpen), has announced the launch of the first pop-up outlet store for luxury label Johnstons of Elgin at Caledonia Park, Scotland’s premier designer village.

Established in 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is one of the last few remaining vertical mills in the UK still carrying out all the processes from raw cashmere and fine woollen fibres right through to the finished product. Across three centuries the family-run business has been committed to sourcing the very best natural fibres and technology, working with expert craftspeople whose skills have been passed down through the generations to create timeless products that last a lifetime. Spanning 2,350 sq ft, the new Johnstons of Elgin boutique at Caledonia Park stocks recent collections from the label’s New Bond Street flagship store, including timeless womenswear and menswear ranges, alongside luxurious textile accessories and woven home furnishings.

Earlier this year, the label won the 2021 Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, the world’s most prestigious business award, for its work to develop products that have a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. The award complements Johnstons of Elgin’s status as holders of a Royal Warrant of Appointment for expert manufacturing of Estate Tweed woolen fabric.

Railpen, the investment manager for the £32bn Railways Pension Scheme, owns and manages the outlet retail destination formerly known as Gretna Gateway Village. Railpen has allocated significant investment to a comprehensive refurbishment program at Caledonia Park, which incorporating a comprehensive revitalisation of public realm, refurbishment of units, and enhanced landscaping. Mahmoud Attia, Asset Manager at RPMI Railpen, commented: “Securing the first and only outlet site for a brand of this calibre, especially one with such a well-aligned Scottish heritage, speaks volumes for Caledonia Park and elevates the destination’s premium designer offering even further. Caledonia Park continues to outperform national retail performance averages, and we are confident the entrance of Johnstons of Elgin’s pop-up will see this momentum continue.”

George McNeil, Managing Director Retail at Johnstons of Elgin, said: “We are delighted to be working with Caledonia Park on this exciting pop-up store as we trial a new location for our brand. Our products are made with the upmost care by a team of talented craftspeople at our mills in Elgin and Hawick and the store will stock a range of our luxury Cashmere and fine woolen items. I’m pleased that visitors to Caledonia Park will now be able to discover our brand and the story of our rich Scottish heritage.” The launch of Johnstons of Elgin follows news of the progress of the phased refurbishment works at Caledonia Park, which is due for completion in winter 2021.

Railpen’s revitalisation of the destination coincides with the roll-out of the UK government’s latest Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, bringing £452m of fresh investment to the region surrounding Caledonia Park.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Elizabeth Ellis .