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End of traditional sealskin sporran under EU ban HERE

The traditional Scottish sporran is facing a demise after European politicians voted to ban the sale of seal products from which it is made.

By Auslan Cramb, Scottish Correspondent
Last Updated: 12:01AM BST 07 May 2009

Sporrans worn with full Highland dress at formal events, such as weddings, have been made with sealskin for more than 100 years Photo: GETTY

The move means the manufacture and sale of sealskin sporrans, including existing stock in kilt shops throughout Scotland, will be illegal from next autumn.

Sporrans worn with full Highland dress at formal events, such as weddings, have been made with sealskin for more than 100 years and the kilt industry claims that synthetic materials cannot produce the same results.

However, MEPs in Strasbourg backed the ban by a majority of 550 to 49 and individual EU nations are now expected to endorse the decision.

The ban is aimed at ending seal culls and has been welcomed by wildlife campaigners and by most political parties.

But members of the Highland dress industry expressed sadness.

Duncan Chisholm, chairman of the Kilt Makers Association of Scotland, said: "The reality is that we might end up, unfortunately, with synthetic sporrans. More pony hair is going to have to be used and some of the sporran makers are already experimenting with rabbit skins. It is quite sad that it has come to this.

"Traditionally, seal has been used for the sporran for the last 100 years. This is going to change that tradition and it really is the end of an era. Synthetic sporrans will look artificial."

He added that white sealskin from pups was once used for sporrans but was banned to protect young seals, adding: "I could agree with the ban on using baby seals because of the way they were killed. I felt that was something that in the interest of animal welfare was a good idea.

"However, with the grey seal there is a cull of them from time to time and these skins are fairly plentiful. So I feel that it is sad that this is happening."

Day-wear sporrans, which are made from leather, will not be affected by the legislation.

A spokesman for the Scottish Executive said the ban would not stop people buying sporrans made from other materials.