Our sales are soaring - thanks to WWII drama

Steven Spielberg’s latest TV epic has sparked a rush on flying jackets made by a family-run business in the Borders.

Aero Leather Clothing (ALC) in Galashiels has reported a burst of sales since Second World War drama Masters Of The Air came to screens earlier this year.

The company makes exact replicas of vintage clothing, often working hand-in-hand with film and television producers as well as selling to the public.

Now it has sold around 30 copies – each costing £1,140 – of the white sheepskin jacket worn by aviator Major John C Egan, played by Callum Turner in the Apple TV series.

Managing director Denny Calder – whose father Ken began the business in 1981 – said: ‘Steven Spielberg and his co-producer Tom Hanks are very precise on historical details, so what we made them was what Major Egan actually wore in real life.

‘We’re delighted with sales so far. Next winter we expect to be even better. We employ 22 people and everything we create is made from start to finish in Galashiels.

‘Our materials we try to source from local suppliers as much as possible, and we also use Harris tweed and tartans. We’re very proud of what we do and how we do it.’