A KILTMAKER is honouring the legacy of the former frontman of one of the world’s most iconic rock bands ahead of an historic gig.
AC/DC will rock Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium this evening (Thursday), with Nicolson Kiltmakers paying tribute to Bon Scott, in a unique tribute to his Scottish roots.
The tribute includes exclusive commentary from Bon’s younger brother, Derek Scott, offering a rare glimpse into the family's pride in their heritage.
Nicolson Kiltmakers, a family-owned business on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, has partnered with the Scott family to create an exclusive collection in his memory.
The collaboration, which began last year, features scarves, blankets and now exclusive kilts crafted from two distinct Bon Scott-inspired tartans.
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To celebrate AC/DC’s return to Edinburgh, the company has launched a competition for fans to win a luxury scarf from the collection.
Gordon Nicolson, owner of Nicolson Kiltmakers, shared his personal connection to the project.
"Being asked to design tartans in memory of Bon Scott was a huge honour," said Gordon, who lives in Dunbar with wife Louise and children Eve and Hamish.
"I grew up with AC/DC's music and have always been a huge fan.
“This band's music is generational and is still listened to by all ages, so my task was to create tartans that would appeal to the vast spectrum of fans throughout the world, look distinctive, and also be something Bon would have liked."
Gordon, who has been at the heart of the business for more than a decade, detailed the inspiration behind the two tartans.
The 'Heritage' tartan was designed to complement denim, a nod to Scott's famous attire, while the 'Touring' tartan reflects his life on the road and his personality.
He added: "Bon famously played the bagpipes on 'It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)' and was hugely proud of being Scottish, teaching himself to play the bagpipes, which is no easy feat.”
Meanwhile, Kilberry Bagpipes – Edinburgh’s last artisan bagpipe maker – has created a limited-edition replica set of Bon Scott’s famous bagpipes, which are exclusively available through their workshop.
Derek Scott highlighted the importance of this partnership.
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"As a family, we've always taken pride in our heritage," he said.
"Growing up, the pipe band was just part of life, both back in Scotland and later on when we moved to Australia.
“It’s what got Ron (Bon) into music in the first place.
“He was always proud of his Scottish roots."
Speaking about the collaboration with Nicolson Kiltmakers, Derek said, "Our connection with Nicolson Kiltmakers came from our love of tartan.
“Choosing a Scottish company that still does things the right way, by hand, meant a lot to us.
“We like to think Ron would get a good laugh knowing he’s now got two tartans in his name."
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Bon Scott was AC/DC's frontman when the band made their commercial breakthrough but tragically died in 1980, aged just 33.
The tributes from both businesses are a testament to Bon Scott’s enduring legacy and his deep connection to his Scottish heritage, celebrated in true Edinburgh fashion as the city prepares to welcome AC/DC for their highly anticipated show.
For a chance to win a luxury lambswool tartan scarf from the Bon Scott collection, enter at nicolsonkiltmakers.com/blogs/the-kiltmakers-chronicle/win-a-luxurious-lambswool-tartan-scarf-inspired-by-ac-dcs-late-bon-scott
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