Celtic Shop – Our History

Scotland by the Yard first opened for business as a Celtic Shop in Georgetown in the city of Washington, D.C. in 1953. It was originally owned by Lezlie Arthur, the mother of a dear friend of mine, who was passionate about her Scottish ancestry and equally passionate about the quality of British and Celtic textiles. The shop was situated on the main courtyard of an 18th century cul de sac off the main street. The inventory consisted primarily of Celtic tweed and tartan fabrics by the yard and tea was served every afternoon at four.

Lezlie passed the business on to her daughter Deborah in the mid-sixties. Deborah relocated the shop to a main street location in Georgetown, expanded the inventory and even sponsored a “School of Piping.”

Celtic Shop – We Move to Quechee, Vermont

In 1970 Deborah and her husband Hugh Laughlin moved the business to Quechee, Vermont through the recommendation of friends in the Quechee area. Quechee was just beginning its growth as a resort destination and the development company was looking for specialty retailers and Celtic Shop fit in perfectly. It also offered a more benign environment for their young daughter Lindsay.

I became involved with Scotlandby The Yard as a staff member in 1975 primarily to help at the numerous Scottish Festivals we were attending. We relocated the shop to its present location on Route 4 in Quechee in 1978. The Celtic Shop inventory was expanded significantly since then to include a wide range of Celtic knitwear for women and men, outerwear, numerous Celtic clothing accessories, ranges of Celtic jewelry, gifts, food, books and so much more. We continue to carry in stock perhaps the largest on the shelf inventory of Celtic tartan fabric in the country.

I assumed ownership of the business in 1986 and I still continue to feel a strong personal connection to Scotland by The Yard and a sincere pride in the quality of our inventory. All of us, including Georgia, Deborah and myself, are committed to serving you – our customer. We are here seven days a week throughout the year (and yes, that means Sundays and holidays) and we look forward to being of assistance with any of your needs and/or inquiries.

We pride ourselves in our Celtic heritage and our Celtic Shop – Scotland by the Yard – and hope you enjoy our wide range of Celtic products.

Don Ransom, President