All about Balnakeil...
What is Balnakeil?
Balnakeil creates sustainable outdoor clothing for urban adventurers who refuse to choose between city sophistication and wild authenticity. We design gear that moves seamlessly from street to summit, supporting grassroots communities in wild places across Scotland and the UK. We believe the wild isn't just a place you visit—it's part of who you are.
What does "Balnakeil" mean?
Balnakeil comes from the Gaelic 'Baile na Cille', meaning 'town of the church'. It's a remote village on Scotland's far northwest coast, where rugged beauty meets endless horizons—perfectly capturing our philosophy of finding extraordinary moments in unexpected places.
Who founded Balnakeil and why?
Our founder Matt created Balnakeil after years of escaping from city life to explore Scotland's wild coastlines and Highland peaks. He wanted to create a bridge between urban living and those transformative moments in nature—gear that understands you live between worlds and clothing that moves with you on every adventure.
The problem
Most people believe you need one wardrobe for the week and another for adventure. We don't.
Our founder
Matt’s journey began with a feeling many city dwellers know well: the sense that London’s constant motion had turned into background noise. As the founder of Balnakeil, his story starts not with a dramatic escape, but with quiet restlessness—another grey Tuesday, another familiar commute, and a growing pull toward Scotland’s wild edges.
What began as weekend trips to the Highlands became something transformative. Standing on the dunes near Cape Wrath, Matt experienced a clarity and presence that city life no longer gave him. The Highlands weren’t just scenery; they were demanding, unpredictable, and honest. They also revealed something else—communities grounded in sustainability, craftsmanship, and respect for the land.
Returning to London, Matt faced a practical frustration: outdoor clothing that worked in the Highlands felt out of place in the city, while stylish urban wear failed in real weather. Conversations with friends confirmed it wasn’t just his problem.
Balnakeil was born from that gap. Matt envisioned sustainable outdoor clothing that reflects Highland values while fitting modern urban life—gear built to last, perform, and transition seamlessly from meetings to mountain paths. For Matt, Balnakeil isn’t about leaving the city behind, but building a bridge between urban energy and wild authenticity.
What makes us different?
- One-wardrobe philosophy
- Sustainable materials
- Community giveback
Our commitment
In 2026, we aim to donate 5% of profits to community projects in wild places.