Master Tailors in the Army have additional responsibilities and skills to those in civvy street.
George McKay started in the Scots Guards as a drummer in the Pipe Band. The Scots Guards are one of the five Guards regiments that make up the Household Division of the British Army. George later became a tailor in the regiment, responsible for the maintenance and upgrade of uniforms and as the regiment is the Scots Guards, an important part of the ceremonial uniform are kilts. He also had to look after the medals and ribbons that have been awarded to his colleagues.
After retiring from the army as Senior Master Tailor Household Division George set up business in Consett, making and repairing kilts, putting ribbons on medals both old and new, and adding rank insignia to uniforms of newly promoted Armed Service personnel.
George has certainly added to the variety of trades currently being practised in our area, so if you need your kilt adjusting or your medals ribbons renewing you know where to go.
Story and photography by Chris Bruce, Consett in Focus
