THE HERALD
Robin Veitch; Businessman


Published on 22 Nov 2009
Robin Veitch, who has died suddenly aged 66, was a businessman whose tenacity and commercial courage ensured the survival of the Scottish mackintosh industry.

Born at Cochno Farm, Duntocher, he was educated at Glasgow Academy before joining the Cumbernauld firm of Traditional Weatherwear at the age of 23. The company specialised in producing the classic mackintosh pioneered by the Glaswegian chemical manufacturer Charles Macintosh in 1823.

In 1973 Mr Veitch purchased the company and soon took control of the business, pledging to remain true to the traditional craftsmanship that made the mackintosh famous throughout the world.

While continuing to produce classic mackintoshes and police uniforms, Mr Veitch set his sights on the international fashion market, believing the firm’s success depended on high-value exports. His clients included Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Liberty, and his ability to forge trade links in Europe, America and Japan resulted in him being awarded the MBE for services to export and the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The company continued to increase its share of the foreign market and to provide well-paid employment in the Cumbernauld area. A staunch champion of Scotland’s craft heritage, Mr Veitch actively promoted training programmes for young people to ensure these skills were not lost.

He was proud to say that every item of Traditional Weatherwear’s range was made in Scotland, adding: “We all have a responsibility to each other and a responsibility to Scotland not to damage this country’s brand heritage.”

Peter Lucas, chairman of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, who served alongside Mr Veitch for many years, described him as “a great champion of Scotland and the textile industry”.

Paul Alger, executive director of UK Fashion Exports, said: “Robin was always liked and respected for his huge contribution to the British fashion industry. His legacy lives on in the mackintosh business, which is one of the finest examples of UK manufacturing, successful branding and a clear vision of the future.

“Robin had great energy, drive and honesty, and a clarity of vision, combined with wise counsel and enthusiasm for the industry as a whole.”

Mr Veitch maintained his strong links to Scottish business through his work on the executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), which conferred upon him a fellowship in recognition of his outstanding service to the organisation.

Iain McTaggart, general manager of the SCDI, said: “Robin was a unique and inspirational personality, always supportive of others and willing to share his knowledge and experience.”

Away from business, Mr Veitch gave considerable time and commitment to Scottish rugby, supporting the national team at home and abroad. He was a founder member of Clydebank Rugby Club and for five decades served as player, referee, team selector, management member, chairman and president.

It was his astute business acumen that ensured the club was placed on a sound financial basis and enjoys excellent facilities today. Club chairman Ross McCombe paid a warm tribute to Mr Veitch, describing him as “a huge figure who will be deeply missed. His loyalty to the club was one hundred per cent.”

In 2000, Mr Veitch and his wife, Hazel, retired to Killearn, where he immersed himself in community activities, serving as an elder of Killearn Kirk and chairman of Colourful Killearn and the Old Folks’ Committee. He was very active in Rotary, being a former chairman of both Cumbernauld and Strathendrick branches.

His marriage to Hazel was a happy one, lasting 36 years, and he was a loyal brother and a devoted uncle and great-uncle to his many nephews and nieces and their families.

Retirement gave him the chance to indulge his love of travel with Hazel, and to enjoy his garden and his cultivation of unusual plants.

At his funeral service in Killearn Kirk, a huge congregation filled the church to celebrate the life of a man of great enthusiasm, drive and energy who lived to the full.

This article was posted on 23-Nov-2009, 08:14 by Hugh Barrow.