'Match made in heaven' deal for Scottish watch brand inspired by Outlander
The pair set up their watch brand after lockdown
A couple who were inspired to launch their own Scottish-inspired watch brand after watching Outlander during the Covid lockdown have said it is “a match made in heaven” after landing a deal with the hit TV series to create products using the official tartan of the show.
Inverness-based MacKinnon Watches has signed a new global licensing agreement with Sony Pictures Consumer Products to create a collection of watches and watch accessories featuring the Outlander tartan.
The idea for the business first began during down in 2020, when the couple were living in London and began watching Outlander. Inspired by the series, their personal connection to Scotland and a desire to create a product that celebrated Scottish heritage, they began developing the idea that would eventually become MacKinnon Watches.
“During lockdown, I was getting a bit homesick living in London, so we started watching Outlander,” said Mr Murphy, who is from the Highlands and whose family name is MacKinnon. “We simultaneously decided to move back to Scotland and start this business and it’s been brilliant.”
The company produces tartan watches and accessories using fabrics woven in Scotland, with production, assembly and strap-making carried out in their Inverness workshop. Customers can choose from over 1,000 tartans to customise their workshop, with many sales coming from Americans with Scottish heritage.
The Outlander products feature three different tartans used in the series and sequel Outlander: Blood of My Blood.
“We’re all about tartan,” Mr Murphy said. “It really is a match made in heaven to be honest, we’ve been running parallel with Outlander for so long that it’s unreal that we finally managed to bring this full circle. It’s excellent for the business.”
Mr Murphy noticed that Sony was beginning to partner with small Scottish businesses as p[art of its promotions around Outlander and got in touch.
“They’re really excited about Scottish partnerships, because they’ve not only got the original series, but the prequel, Outlander: Blood of My Blood as well, so they were really excited to start work with us.”
Earlier this year, Outlander star Sam Heughan wore one of the brand’s watches in the Galloway tartan - where his new distillery is based - during New York City’s Tartan Day celebrations. The brand has also attracted the support of acclaimed Scottish actor and Succession star Brian Cox, alongside comedian Daniel Sloss, Sex and the City star Jason Lewis and “Grey’s Anatomy” actor Anthony Hill. The company has also expanded through other official partnerships, including a collection with the Scottish football team.
The limited-edition watch, featuring the team’s official tartan, sold well during the World Cup.
Mr Murphy hopes the watches could be worn by some of the cast.
“There are no guarantees,” he said. “They’re very supportive and help us with lots of things, but Sam Heughan is great at championing Scottish businesses.”
The pair have recently launched an office in California and will be splitting their time between Scotland and the US.
“They’re very passionate about their Scottish heritage here,” said Mr Murphy.
Belinda Murphy, co founder of MacKinnon Watches, said: “Today’s announcement is such a milestone for our brand and our business. When Matt and I were watching Outlander during lockdown, we had that deep sense of longing that so many Scots abroad have.
“We took a leap into the unknown, moving back home and launching a true passion project and we’re overwhelmed at how much of a success it’s been so far. We’re incredibly excited about working with Sony and the team behind Outlander and can’t wait to see what lies ahead for MacKinnon Watches.”
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.