Meet the master tailor behind Scotland’s military uniforms

The tailor behind Scotland’s military uniforms has offered an inside look at the craftsmanship that keeps soldiers looking their best.

STV News has been behind the seams with Sergeant Thomas Couper, the Master Tailor of the Fifth Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

A serving soldier, Sgt Couper is also the master tailor for Balaklava Company, the permanent public duties unit in Scotland, known for carrying out state ceremonial duties such as guarding Edinburgh Castle and serving as the Royal Guard at Balmoral.

He works around the clock to ensure uniforms are kept to a high standard, carrying out regular fittings and repairs.

He says the best part of his job is watching the soldiers on parade.

Sgt Couper told STV News: “Knowing that the boys are ready to go and they’re immaculate and getting a bit of good feedback, ‘that was a good turnout.’

“It’s nice to know that you’re the ones who make things happen. The guys deserve the credit for the parades, doing the drill, and working on their kit all the time.”

Kilts were worn as everyday field dress by the Scottish infantry until 1940.

Now, they’re mainly ceremonial.

The Master Tailor’s job is to ensure they are a perfect fit for every serving soldier.

Every thread and button must pass the inspection of Sgt Couper’s sharp eyes and high command.

The soldiers also have to maintain a high standard of dress as part of their duties, polishing shoes, shining their buckles and whitening their collars.

“We do the inspections to capture anything that’s not quite right before the parade,” he said.

“We identify them, get it fixed as a priority, get it back on the guy and get him back in the game as quickly as possible.

“If they’re promoted up a rank, I also have to change the ranks on all their uniform, jumpers, shirts and jackets. It’s a lot of work.”

The Royal Regiment marked its 20th anniversary this year before The King in Prince’s Street in Edinburgh.

Since its formation, it has been one of the most active regiments in the British Army, with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia.

“There were quite a lot of late nights to get them all organised because many came from Cyprus. They looked really good. That was the work we did behind the scenes.

“Once we’ve got them up to a good standard, they work hard to maintain their kits.”

Aside from his role as master tailor, Couper is still a serving soldier on the Royal Guard, helping out in the messes and carrying out a welfare role.

Sgt Couper says he first learned there was an opening from the previous master tailor during work.

He spent a year learning the craft under Sergeant Currie and hopes to pass the mantle to another soldier one day.

“You’ve got to be keen and have a bit of drive as you’re working under pressure. This is not a 9-5 job.

“Working late, starting early, working weekends. It doesn’t matter, the job needs to get done. You need to allow that for what you want to be. You either want to be here or you don’t.

“We need the right person, but we’ve got a bit of time.”