To celebrate our recent collaboration with Campbell's of Beauly, we sat down with John Sugden, who alongside his wife Nicola, has been at the helm of the historic Scottish company since 2015.
Read more about his journey and his vision for the future of Campbell's of Beauly.
Can you tell us a little about your journey at Campbell's of Beauly?
"I've worked across the textile world, weaving, spinning, tailoring, but after years in the city, my wife and I wanted a change of pace and a return to the countryside. When Campbell's came up, it just felt right. I'd known the business for years and always admired its authenticity. Taking it on gave us the chance to combine everything we loved, craftsmanship, heritage and Highland life, and build on a name that already had so much heart."
What has it meant to take over a family business with such a long heritage?
"It's a privilege and a responsibility in equal measure. Campbell's is more than a shop, it's a part of Beauly's story. We've been careful to preserve that sense of history while keeping things fresh. Every decision, from updating the workshop to maintaining the old fittings, has been about evolution rather than change. When long-time customers say it still feels the same, even though we’ve modernised behind the scenes, that’s the best compliment we could ask for."
How has the company evolved since you joined in 2015?
"We’ve grown a lot while staying true to our roots. Tailoring is still at the core, but we’ve added a ready-to-wear collection and built a strong online presence, which has opened us up to customers all over the world. We’ve also expanded our space with a second boutique and introduced small, considered updates to the range. It’s been about keeping the Campbell’s feel, but showing it to a wider audience."
What has been the most rewarding part of leading a brand with such legacy?
"It’s incredibly special to be part of something people have loved for generations. Seeing familiar faces come in, sometimes the children or grandchildren of long-time customers, is what makes it worthwhile. Personally, I enjoy developing our ready-to-wear pieces and keeping the shop looking just as it should. It’s very rewarding to know we’re carrying on a tradition while quietly adding our own chapter to the story."
What challenges do you face in balancing tradition with innovation in a heritage brand?
"It’s all about small, thoughtful steps. We’re not interested in chasing trends, our world is more “slow fashion,” where quality and longevity matter most. Any innovation has to feel right for the brand, whether that’s refining a cut or introducing a new shade. Country style doesn’t change fast, which suits us perfectly. We focus on keeping things timeless rather than trendy."
How did the collaboration with Ettinger come about, and what excites you most about it?
"We met the Ettinger team at the Tweed Rally and it just clicked straight away. Both brands are family-run, share the same values, and care deeply about craftsmanship. The collaboration came together naturally from that shared mindset. What excites me most is how well our tweeds pair with their leather, two heritages meeting in a really seamless way."
In this collection, how did you approach blending your signature tweed with Ettinger’s leather craftsmanship?
"We wanted it to feel understated and classic, something that represents both brands. Our tweed brings warmth and texture, while their leather adds polish and structure. The focus was on subtle, tonal pairings that would age beautifully. It’s the kind of design that looks good now and will look just as good twenty years from now."
What is your favourite flask from this collaboration, and why?
"The green leather hip flask, without a doubt. Green’s always been my favourite colour, it feels rooted in the Highlands and ties perfectly to our identity. I’d wanted a flask in that shade for ages, and Ettinger nailed it. It’s a lovely balance of style and practicality."
What’s your favourite tipple to enjoy in your flask?
"It has to be whisky, always. First would be our Campbell’s own blend, which has a lovely balance and warmth that makes it perfect for taking out on the hill. Then my go-to favourite malt whisky is Lagavulin 16, a single malt I absolutely love for its deep, peaty smokiness. And for blends, I’d say the Johnnie Walker Blue Label for something really special, and the Johnnie Walker Double Black as a great everyday choice. Each has its moment, but they all taste best from a proper flask out in the Highlands."
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the brand over the next decade?
"We want to keep growing carefully, maybe another store in time, and continued expansion online. But the heart of the business will always stay in Beauly. Our goal is to preserve what makes Campbell’s special, the tailoring, the personal service and the sense of heritage, while keeping it thriving for the next generation."
Shop the Campbell's of Beauly X Ettinger collaboration here.