Fears over future of kilt school

Funding for the kilt school is set to finish

The future of a school providing the only recognised qualification in handcrafted kilt-making is in doubt.

European funding for the Keith Kilt School in Moray is set to run out at the end of this year.

One solution being considered is charging foreign students to attend the courses.

The school's trainer Beverley Scarlett fears the uncertainty has raised doubts over the future of handmade kilts in Scotland.

"I think it would be desperately sad because it's a traditional skill," Ms Scarlett said.

"Students learn to hand sew kilts in a traditional fashion and also to a very high standard."

People attending the school said they could not afford the £7,000 it would have cost to complete the course

Bill Law, of the Kilt Makers Association of Scotland, who assesses the school's kilts, said there was quite a number of people living abroad who wanted to pay to attend the school.

"They are quite willing to pay big money to come here to get taught."

Since 2005 the school has operated under the umbrella of the Moray Textiles Project - a social enterprise offering a range of courses.

Moray Council said it was currently helping to source future funding opportunities.