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PICTURES: Huge relief for 'incredibly proud' Black Isle designer Siobhan Mackenzie as Team Scotland tartan kit revealed ahead of massive Commonwealth Games showcase


By Hector MacKenzie

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Melanie Woods. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland
Melanie Woods. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland

A BLACK Isle designer who is making her name on a global stage has spoken of the "huge relief" over the feedback to her latest high-profile project.

Siobhan Mackenzie, who is from Fortrose, was chosen to design Team Scotland's outfits for next month's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The contemporary Scottish fashion designer, from Fortrose, will see her tartan take pride of place at the newly developed Alexander Stadium on Thursday, July 28.

Ms Mackenzie launched her self-named label in 2014, a year which included a stint for her as an alteration technician at Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games.

She was named best new Scottish designer 2016 and, after co-creating outfits worn by athletes at the Gold Coast in 2018, will now lead the design of this year’s ensemble.

The tartan was inspired by colours synonymous with both Team Scotland and Birmingham 2022, and will be produced by the Lochcarron Mill in Selkirk.

Asked about the athletes' reaction, she said: "This is the first time the outfits have been revealed to anyone, including the athletes, so it was amazing to see their ecstatic faces and a huge relief that they all absolutely love what I’ve done with the outfit.

"The public reaction has also been great so I’m thrilled overall."

Siobhan Mackenzie.
Siobhan Mackenzie.
Ross Murdoch, Ross Beattie and Cameron Main. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland
Ross Murdoch, Ross Beattie and Cameron Main. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland

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Sarah McPhail. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland
Sarah McPhail. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland

Asked about the substantial workload, she said: "I’ve been working on this project since 2020 so dare I say it’s been straightforward, but only down to meticulous planning and good project management skills.

"From the cloth down to every detail you see the athletes wearing I’ve designed and managed the entire production myself – totalling at around 400-plus outfits. It’s been a joy to design for Team Scotland."

The fitting day took place at Celtic Park yesterday and was a moment of truth for the talented designer. She said: "Seeing everyone in their kit definitely made it real and hearing their lovely feedback first hand was so nice. A lot of very happy athletes."

Tain Bruce. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland
Tain Bruce. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland
Women's outfit. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland
Women's outfit. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland
Men's outfit design detail. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland
Men's outfit design detail. Picture: MBP Ltd for Team Scotland

Ms Mackenzie will be going to the Commonwealth Games at the end of next month and admitted: "So for me the pressure is now off and handed over to the athletes – I cannot wait to watch them emerge into the stadium wearing my designs. I will probably cry, I’m incredibly proud to have achieved this milestone in my career."

Her work has graced catwalks around the world and been showcased in Elle US, Forbes, WWD and Harper’s Bazaar.

Former Miss Scotland Lucy Kerr wore a tartan dress designed by Miss Mackenzie at Miss World 2016 in the United States.

The cast of the reality TV show, the Real Housewives of New York, previously wore her kilts for a charity fashion event, while her kilts have also been worn on-stage by pop star Justin Bieber.

She remains fiercely proud of her Black Isle roots and in June of 2020 lent her support to a local Black Lives Matter campaign being waged by local teenagers.


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