‘Full circle moment’ for award-winning Scottish social enterprise behind all-weather coats

Since Ootsider was founded in 2022 by John Keogh, the venture’s hand-made outdoor coats and changing robes have been popular with the likes of wild swimmers, hill walkers, campers and equestrian enthusiasts.

The community interest company (CIC) reinvests profits from sales into the production and donation of sleeping coats for the UK’s homeless and rough sleepers. To date, more than 400 coats have been handed out free of charge to those most in need.

All garments had previously been manufactured in Dumfries but West Lothian-born Keogh has returned to his roots to establish a new headquarters in Pumpherston, next to Livingston in West Lothian.

The new workshop houses a cutting table, sewing machine, embroidery machine and seam sealer in a single location, under the creative guidance of new master seamstress Toni-Leigh Hogarth, from East Calder.

Keogh, formerly head of engineering at Jabil Electronics in Livingston, said: “Having been born in West Lothian and spent my whole life in the area, I’m delighted to be able to bring something positive to my own community.

“Bringing Toni in has allowed us to continue with our ethos of ethically hand-making all our garments in Scotland, purchasing our materials from only UK suppliers, which we are very proud of, and we are supporting our local community. Handmade in Scotland isn’t just a label for us, it’s a commitment and keeping craftsmanship alive sits at the heart of everything we do at the Ootsider.

“When our original tailor Stephen retired, we were lucky to find Toni, a highly skilled master seamstress. With Stephen’s guidance, she effortlessly stepped into making our coats, continuing the same level of quality and craftsmanship.

“Our commitment to quality means using premium materials and traditional techniques, combined with innovative design to create a product that truly makes a difference in people’s lives,” he added.

“Moving our manufacturing to West Lothian makes it even more special as this is where I have lived my whole life, so producing our garments here feels like a full circle moment.”

Keogh, who was voted Local Hero 2024 in the Midlothian and East Lothian Business Awards for his work helping the homeless, added: “Working in this industry has shown me that garment manufacturing is becoming a dying craft in Scotland.

“Many businesses move production overseas as it’s cheaper. For me, keeping it here in Scotland matters so much more. It means supporting local skills, creating jobs in our community, and investing in the place I call home. Every coat we make carries more than warmth. It carries compassion and purpose, too.”

A study last September found that the number of social enterprises in Scotland had jumped by almost a fifth in the last decade, with a third of them based in rural areas. Those social ventures, which generate profits for good causes, contributed just under £2.9 billion of gross value added (GVA) - a measure of economic output - to the Scottish economy in 2024.