Bespoke Creations from the Douglas Clan

So, David, you have over forty years of experience in creating bespoke fitted furniture. Can you share the story of how the business started?

I started off as an apprentice when I was 16 and have always been in this industry, from building houses to manufacturing and installing luxury interiors. I have always had an eye for detail, so when the opportunity arose to branch out on my own I grabbed it. I realised I could make better quality furniture than what I was already installing. .

Since you founded the company what has remained the same and what has changed over the years?

Myself and my wife Elaine, founded the company over 20 years ago. The level of quality and customer service has always remained the same. The company continues to move and change with technology & people. We always look to adapt to new products that are out there and are trending.

What do you love most about running your business?

Meeting new and exciting clients is my favourite part of the job. Also, seeing the designs our amazing team come up with! Watching a project go from design to installation really is something special.

Any special secrets that make your products so good/what makes you stand out from the competition?

Our products will last forever! When you buy a kitchen from us, it's a lifetime kitchen. We truly believe that you’ll love it for life.

We love the Company's motto "The Difference is our Detail" which can be easily seen throughout every project the team creates.

How has Covid affected you as I imagine with everyone spending more time at home that people may be desperate to re-design their homes?

COVID has affected us by way of good and busy enquiries at the front of house & design-wise, but with lockdowns in place, this has left a strain on manufacturing and installation.

Just as we are here at ScotlandShop, David and his team are currently offering virtual consultations while their Showroom is closed.

You are a second-generation family business, did you always envisage working together as a family and bringing your Children into the business? Do you enjoy working together as a family and are you closer as a result of working together?

Yes, the end goal was always for Samantha and Michael to join the company. We do enjoy working together and get on very well as a family!

The family dog, Rùm also takes pride of place within the Team. You may ask the question, do you need to be a Douglas to work for the company? Although the family are proud members of the clan, we know that members of the design & project management team come from the MacIntyre, & Stewart clans just to name a few.

Is your Scottish heritage important to the business and to you as a family and if so in what way?

Yes, we are very proud to one of the very few Scottish manufacturers actually manufacturing in Scotland.

Douglas is our Clan of the Month which is what brought us to you, what does it mean to you as a family to be part of the clan?

We are very proud to be Douglas'. We want the Douglas name and company to last for many generations to come.

We have many birthdays at the start of the year, between late February and early April. As you can imagine these are large gatherings, with Haggis, Whisky, and tartan!