Scotland’s oldest bespoke tailoring business, Stewart Christie & Co, is weaving an exciting new era in its 300+ year history.

The celebrated tailor, who has dressed both royalty and Hollywood stars – from King George V and Sir Walter Scott to Ewan McGregor and Outlander star Sam Heughan in its sumptuous tweeds and tartans for centuries, has welcomed internationally bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith as an investor in the business.

Alexander, whose 44 Scotland Street and No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series have sold over 20 million copies worldwide, has invested in the business and joins fellow Stewart Christie & Co shareholders: Managing Director Daniel Fearn, Creative Director Vixy Rae and Chairman Prof James McCallum.

The news of Alexander’s involvement follows the historic tailor’s announcement of a new ‘by appointment’ studio for ladies’ tailoring in the heart of Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town, in the adjacent premises to their existing men’s tailoring emporium on 61-63 Queen Street.

The new ladies’ tailoring studio opened its doors this summer at 61-63 Queen Street, in the space formerly devoted to their popular The Chaumer tearoom. Cake-lovers needn’t worry though as afternoon tea continues to be taken there, with the ‘tiniest tearoom in town’ serving the finest teas and coffees alongside a selection of tempting sweet and savoury bites on an exclusive ‘clients and guests’ in the know basis.

Stewart Christie & Co Creative Director Vixy Rae (pictured above) said: “This is such an exciting moment for Stewart Christie & Co, not only are we welcoming the delightful Alexander McCall Smith aboard our company, we also recently opened our first ever ladies’ bespoke tailoring studio.

Alongside our expansion into ladieswear, we’re really looking forward to launching our new website early next year, with an online fabric store so clients can build their own garment virtually.

The best experience, though, is still in-house – you can’t beat the satisfaction of taking home a beautifully made garment that’s been perfectly tailored to your measurements.”

Alexander McCall Smith said: “There is nowhere quite like Stewart Christie & Co. This firm has been a vital part of the Scottish clothing and textile industry for a very long time. The team of James, Daniel and Vixy have been tireless in their support of Scottish textiles and tailoring and that is what prompted me to offer support in the first place.

Their work has helped to secure Scotland’s reputation as a source of fine clothing, traditionally made with this country’s wonderful cloth. It is a great honour to be able to support that.”