Our Story

Our Story & Heritage 

 

MacKinnon Watches was founded with a deep appreciation for Scotland’s heritage and craftsmanship.

Inspired by the Highlands, our designs draw from the landscapes, traditions, and materials that have shaped Scottish identity for generations. From the tartans to the craftsmanship behind each piece, every watch is designed to carry a connection to this heritage.

Our signature designs feature handmade tartan watch straps, crafted using authentic tartan woven in Scottish mills. By working with mills that have produced tartan for generations, we ensure every piece reflects the authenticity, quality, and character that Scottish craftsmanship is known for.

What began as a small family venture has grown into a dedicated team committed to sharing Scottish design around the world. While this wee business has evolved, our philosophy remains the same: to create thoughtful, well made pieces that honour heritage while fitting naturally into modern life.

MacKinnon Watches takes its name from the MacKinnon Clan. Our family lives in the Highlands at the foot of Ben Nevis, the mountain that inspired the peak in our logo.

Since then, MacKinnon Watches has grown into an established Scottish brand, recognised through multiple award short listings and features in publications including The Herald and Contrast Magazine.

 

Meet our founders 

Hi, we’re Matt and Belinda, the husband and wife team behind MacKinnon Watches.

We met while studying at university in Aberdeen and have been side by side ever since.

In 2020, we were living and working in London, but our hearts were still firmly in Scotland. When the pandemic shifted so much for so many, it also gave us the space to reflect on the kind of life and future we wanted to build. We knew city life was not where we saw ourselves long term, and so we made the decision to return to the Highlands and begin something of our own.

Starting MacKinnon Watches was a leap of faith. Like many small businesses, it began with big ideas, long hours, and plenty of uncertainty. We made sacrifices, took risks, and built the business from the ground up with a shared belief in what it could become.

What began in our wee Highland cottage has since grown into a dedicated team and a brand shared with customers around the world. Along the way, we have remained rooted in the values that inspired us from the start: family, heritage, craftsmanship, and a genuine love for Scotland.

Our life and work are still closely connected to the Highlands, where we continue to find inspiration in the landscapes, traditions, and stories that shape the MacKinnon Watches brand. We also share it all with our two dogs, Helga and Maple, who are very much part of the journey too.

Matt leads the making and assembly of our watches, bringing care and precision to every piece.

Belinda leads the growth of the business, from brand and marketing to partnerships, storytelling, and the day to day running of MacKinnon Watches.