BBC enter a unique world of tartan

In these episodes the Beeb enter a unique world of tartan and meets the team behind a kilt shop on Belfast’s Sandy Row. In episode one of Tartan Tales, on Sunday 19 January at 10pm, tradition and passion come together to create more than just garments. This team’s craft connects people to their heritage.

Run by Grahame Harris and his mother, Kim, the shop has become a go to destination for Ulster-Scots communities, for whom the wearing of tartan is an outward celebration of identity. Viewers will also meet Samir, a highly skilled tailor from Syria, who is known for his precision, and the team’s youngest member and kiltmaker-in-training, Claire, who seeks out every opportunity to learn more about this venerable craft and develop her skills.

This is a hectic year for the shop. Along with keeping their regular customers kitted out, the team prepares for an Ulster-Scots wedding, where different family tartans take pride of place in a ceremony to honour tradition and celebrate love.

Grahame is also on hand to make the last-minute uniform adjustments for the Campbell College Pipe Band as they prepare for Burns Night festivities.

Tartan Tales, Sunday, January 19th on BBC Two Northern Ireland and across the UK on the iPlayer at 10 pm