Ken W. MacDonald

Ken W MacDonald was born on 21 February 1959 in Paisley, Scotland. He was educated at Keil Boarding School in Dumbarton before, at the age of 16, he joined the family business Houston Traditional Kiltmakers in Paisley, Scotland. MacDonald is acknowledged as one of leading authorities on Scottish Highlandwear and Tartan in the world.Fact|date=January 2008

MacDonald has over 30 years of experience working directly with all the main Scottish tartan mills, sporran suppliers and many other expert manufactures. MacDonald is also a member of the Tartan Authority which advises all the tartan mills and retailers worldwide. He has also held posts with the Scottish Menswear Association and Paisley Chamber of Commerce.

Tartan designer

MacDonald has designed several tartans most notably for The Glasgow Garden Festival in 1998. Ken preseneted HRH The Prince of Wales with two small kilts for Prince William and Prince Harry in the Festival tartan. The Bute Heather collection was announced in 2001 to critical acclaimFact|date=January 2008 and the American National Tartan was designed in 2006 and presented to U.S. President George W. Bush from the people of Scotland to the people of America. MacDonald's inspiration for tartan designs and colours come from interpreting the landscapes and colours of Scotland - most recently the Island of Bute - and integrating this into his designs.

Community work

MacDonald is an active Rotarian and also supports the University of Paisley, providing students with the opportunity to gain work experience prior to leaving University. MacDonald has also been a board member and fundraiser for The Accord Hospice in Paisley and has worked with the Princes Trust.

MacDonald lives in Renfrewshire with wife Louise and family. He is passionate about Scotland and especially the town of Paisley where his family business has been for 101 years. MacDonald also likes to spend time on the Island of Bute where he gets inspiration for the new tartans he designs.