Our Story

Founded in Montrose in 1789 the original company served the flourishing local fishing industry manufacturing ropes and hand-sewn sails that could withstand the harsh weather out at sea. As the Scottish fishing fleet diminished, over the years the company has had to continuously innovate to survive.

The Paton family, who took over in the early 1900’s, has since made a name for Montrose Rope and Sail in North Sea Oil & Gas. With the development of new materials, like the ones we still use today and the introduction of new innovative technology to our workshop, it’s helped us to continuously develop and build better products that are designed to perform outdoors and against the elements.

Over the last forty years countless offshore workers have come to depend on us for the specialised kit bags, backpacks, and other equipment they need to enable them to do their jobs safely and skilfully.

But it’s not only oil industry professionals who value what we do. Time and time again we were asked to make our unique range of durable, versatile and reliable bags available to a wider audience. And so having invested in new cutting-edge technology we launched The Montrose Bag Company which builds on four generations of heritage and experience.

Using the same skilled craftsmanship, the same tried and tested materials and the same passion for perfection, we’ve extended our range to include bags and luggage that everyone will be proud to own. From shoppers to totes, backpacks to holdalls we manufacture everything here at our headquarters in Scotland for export all over the world.

Meet the team

Stewart Laing

Machinist

Based in our bag department, Stewart has been part of the team since 2011 and enjoys a challenge.

Lynne Anderson

Sales Coordinator

Lynne joined the team in 2009, and will competently answer any questions relating to our products.

Michael Grant

Senior Machinist

Our longest serving member of staff, Michael started when he left school in 1997.

Amy Gair

Design and Brand Development Manager

Amy joined us as Designer in January 2018 as Design Lead on our KTP project to help us diversify into new markets. She helps us with all things design!

Heather Pert

Workshop Supervisor

Heather is based in our Bag Department. She has worked with us for over 20 years and is highly skilled on the machine.

Ally Mclean

Machinist

Ally is a highly skilled machinist, who works as part of the bag team. He often gets tasked with our product development ideas and helps bring them to fruition.

How we work

The Montrose Bag Company is first and foremost a family-run business that has grown to become one the oldest and most dynamic independent companies in Scotland. Whether we’re supplying one bag or one thousand bags, the care, the service and the pride in our products never changes. We believe in traditional quality craftsmanship, that’s guaranteed to last.

Our highly skilled manufacturing specialists are trained in house from apprentice to senior machinist and we’re proud to have a small but highly capable team of 21 which includes our management and sales team.

We design, develop, manufacture and dispatch all from our workshop based in Montrose, Scotland.

Craftsmanship Made-To-Measure

As well as crafting our distinctive range of handmade bags and luggage we’re also the best in the business when it comes to creating bespoke covers. We’ve years of experience manufacturing large-scale protective solutions for industrial and commercial equipment but we also understand your needs when it comes to shielding your car, boat, barbecue or bike from the onslaught of the elements. Our 100% waterproof PVC is ideally suited to outdoor use. It comes in a variety of weights and colours and we can tailor it to fit any object whatever the shape and size.
You’re welcome to discuss your custom-projects with our team. Whether your looking for for an awning for your caravan, a tarpaulin for your tractor or simply want to keep muddy paws and shoes from messing up the car boot, just get in touch with us to talk through your requirements. Made-to-measure and built to last. That’s what we’re about. To see more of Bespoke Covers, head to our Rope and Sail page here.

Craftsmanship IN ACTION

200 Years History

21st Century Technology

Handmade in Scotland

Workmanship built to last

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