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Dougie McLaren
WHAT'S NEW?I have simplified the prices of our products in line with the comments of some customers and ordering patterns. Out go the 3 for 4 offers, in come lower individual prices for most products.
We have also taken on board the general dislike for shipping costs and have responded by offering Free Shipping by USPS for all orders over $50 . Below that one standard charge of $3 applies.
All visitors now have the opportunity to win an Ultimate McLaren Pack in our regular new Prize Draw. You can enhance your chances of doing so by referring friends to our site. No purchase is necessary for entry, but when you make a purchase you are automatically entered.
In the middle of July 1999, a 1936 3.5 litre Bentley with open top bodywork by Park Ward, carrying the livery of Dougie McLaren, began the longest journey of her life from Scotland. 6 weeks later, she emerged from a container in Newark, New Jersey, then to be driven around the Eastern Seaboard of the US through September, attending 4 Highland Games to launch our new contemporary range of Scottish Designer clothing.
Having reached our base in Wethersfield, CT after a few initial problems (the old girl did not take kindly to a long traffic jam on the Interstate just north of New York, overheated and stopped, but after a rest was coaxed back to life amid great relief!), we had a beautiful drive through the Berkshire hills of MA to Altamont, NY and back in temperatures in the 90's. Then the following week, after some emergency electrical repairs, a long journey to Ligonier, PA was rewarded with a warm welcome and a prominent position overlooking the games field at Idlewild Park.
Next, up to New Hampshire and the big Loon Mountain Games, just as the tail end of Hurricane Floyd was passing through. Having had to evacuate accommodation next to a suddenly swollen river late at night under the direction of the local sheriff, the first day of the Games was abandoned because of the rain and high winds. The sun then shone and we had much fun displaying our clothing around and about the Bentley, generating lots of interest and good orders. A splendid waterfall on the way back to Wethersfield provided a dramatic backdrop for an impromptu photoshoot.
Soon we were on our way again, through driving rain, down to Virginia for the final Highland Gathering at Williamsburg.
On this last long journey, after 1,500 triumphant miles, on the Interstate at the border of NY and PA, disaster struck in the shape of an ominous loud noise in the engine. A garage quickly and correctly diagnosed a Big End problem. The remainder of the journey was completed with the aid of a U-Haul truck and trailer. We kept our appointment at Williamsburg before arranging to ship the Bentley back to Scotland for repair.
Wherever we went, considerable interest was created in our new range of fleeces and underwear. People loved the novel concept, the flask with the Skye Boxers, the soft colourful fleece jackets with their thoughtful design features, the McLaren Bag and our 1936 mobile display stand! Several thousand catalogues were distributed and good orders taken. The McLaren range and the Bentley were well suited together in terms of their design, style and quality.
Few other motor cars would start "on the button" after 63 years every morning without fail. Now back on the road after repairs to the engine over the winter, our Bentley is again spreading the McLaren 
in the Highlands and West of Scotland. If you see us, gi'e us a wave!
Phone from anywhere: +44/1360/550116, Fax: +44/1360/550126