Are you in need of a new kilt? Are you looking to stock up on Haggis? Perhaps a new set of bagpipes? Interested in bagpipe lessons? Perhaps your wardrobe could use sweaters, headwear, or even jewelry direct from Scotland. If so, your store opens this weekend in Grand Junction.

Please welcome Taylor's Croft to Western Colorado. Taylor's Croft, the premier headquarters for everything Scottish and Irish will open their doors this Saturday, January 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This store is "The Grand Valley’s very own headquarters for your authentic premier Celtic experience!"

I heard about the new store coming to Patterson Road in Grand Junction, and thought I would stop by. The proprietors, Sharon, and Sean Taylor have been around the valley for some time. You've probably witnessed their work with the Glenfinnan Highlanders Pipes and Drums are the founders of the Grand Valley Scottish Games and Celtic Festival, held annually at the Mesa County Fairgrounds in May.

In case you are wondering, yes, Sharon was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. As it turns out, I had met her husband, Sean, once before. I hired a bagpipe player to perform at my mother's funeral. Sean is a magnificent bagpipe player, performing in authentic traditional Scottish attire.

I, for one, am very excited about this new store. While I'm not an enthusiast when it comes to things Scottish, I am a huge fan of locally owned and operated small business. In this case, like most small businesses I know, the owners are selling what they know. In Sharon's case, she wanted to bring authentic merchandise and services from her home, and share them with the people of Western Colorado.

Seriously, if you're looking for bagpipes, Taylor's Croft is one of only five authorized McCallum bagpipes dealers in the United States. Who in Western Colorado plays bagpipes? Well, for starters, my brother. I'm completely serious. My brother, born and raised in Grand Junction, took up the bagpipes about ten years ago. In addition to McCallum bagpipes, they provide RG Hardie and Naill, along with Duncan Souter bagpipes, too.

If you're interested in learning the bagpipes, Taylor's Croft offers lessons. They also carry bagpipe supplies, accessories, and full pipe band attire.

They have a variety of tartans and a large selection of kilts as well as custom made kilts and utility kilts, or ask Sharon to find your family tartan or family clan contact. Okay, before we go any further, what's a tartan? According to Wikipedia:

Tartan (Scottish Gaelic: breacan[ˈpɾʲɛxkən]) is a patterned cloth consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in many other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland; Scottish kilts almost always have tartan patterns. - Wikipedia

I really enjoyed visiting the store and meeting the owners. I am a bit sad, though. My mother would have loved this place. All my birthday and Christmas shopping problems could have been solved in a flash. She probably would have moved in. Sadly, she passed away five months ago. Again, as it turns out, it was proprietor, Sean, who played at her funeral.

Taylor's Croft is offering an invitation-only preview this Friday. They will open to the public this Saturday, January 18. Check them out at 2478 Patterson, Unit 25, in the same shopping complex as Appleton Dental. Please make a point to visit and support this new locally owned and family operated Western Colorado business.

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