About Us

Welcome to William Glen & Son, now part of the ScotlandShop family; a business established in Toronto for over 28 years providing custom made kilts and Highland Dress, thousands of tartans woven in Scotland, and Kilt Outfit rental across Canada.

However, did you know that the William Glen name has much older Scottish roots, and the origins of the William Glen business can be traced to 1869, when the company began as a small drapery business in Callander, Scotland? William Glen was a professionally trained draper from Kirkcaldy who moved to Callander in 1869 to set up a store to serve the local community in Callander and The Trossachs with clothing, tartans, haberdashery, bedding and textile goods. William’s son John took over the business in the early 20th Century.  John was a significant figure in the town and became Provost (Mayor), leading the Town Council.  

John’s son William took over the business during the war and sold the business to Alan Cantlay in 1967. From its early beginnings as a drapery store, the company retained its Scottish identity over generations, and Alan's son Mike became the 5th generation between two families to lead William Glen & Son in 1982. 

The Canadian chapter of the William Glen story began in Toronto in 1998, with this very same shop based on Avenue Road in North York, where Store Manager, Darren Purse, has built the reputation and specialisation in kilts and Highland formal wear, serving individuals, families, weddings, and Highland games, with strong connections to the St Andrew's Society of Toronto, and other Scottish organisations and clans. 

In store today you will still find Darren, assisted by Peter Campbell, Toronto born with proud Scottish heritage and a talented piper. Come and test their incredible knowledge of all things tartan, kilts and Scotland. 

ScotlandShop is very excited to have William Glen as part of our family, and to continue this fabulous service and retaining the expertise of Darren and Peter, we will continue to offer their existing range of made-to-measure kilts, trews, trousers, waistcoats and other Highland clothing. New products from the ScotlandShop collection will be added and in particular our signature designs for women such as the Kate Coat and Kilted Skirts and Dresses, along with an expanded range of accessories and gifting.

The Kilt Rental business will be expanded to serve the whole of Canada so wherever your event is, we can help you look your very best.