North Cape (Polartec Windbloc) Salopettes

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North Cape (Polartec Windbloc) Salopettes
Polartec Windblock logo
North Cape logo sewn in above breast pocket
North Cape Workbook
Description
North Cape fleece salopettes. 27cm side zips. Vertical zipped pocket on front bib. Zipped fly. Integral elasticated braces. Exterior blue & green, maroon interior.
Inscription description
“POLARTEC WINDBLOC” “NORTH CAPE” on bib with compass logo
Acquisition Method:
Donated by Peter McKellar’s wife Lynne and daughters Ciorstaidh & Mairi.
Number of Objects:
1
Related Items:
Provenance:
“Scottish specialist manufacturers of clothing for climbers and backpackers founded in the early 1970s to produce fibre pile garments for the offshore oil industry, North Cape grew into a company known throughout the climbing world for its innovative range of clothing for mountaineers and backpackers.”

Donald Henderson was the man behind the North Cape name, he managed to build the company into a major player in the outdoor clothing industry – one of the very few to do so while based in Scotland, he received an MBE for his efforts, particularly for his success in export markets.

Capitalising on the latest fabrics available at the time, in this case Polartec Windbloc, Donald produced functional clothing for the outdoors, this pair of salopettes being one of the many items.. They once belonged to our good friend, Peter McKellar, who, among many things, was an active member of the Ochils Mountain Rescue Team, the salopettes were kindly donated by his wife Lynne and daughters Ciorstaidh & Mairi.

We have a nice example of a North Cape Workbook from 2002-2003 here in the collection. We’re not sure why but they seem to have ceased trading not long after.

Object Production
Production Place:
Scotland
Materials:
Polyester (Polartec), plastic, metal
Maker:
North Cape
Colour:
green, blue, maroon, black
Dimensions:
Size M. 130(l)cm
Object Condition:
Condition Date Check:
Administration
Accession Number:
1842.2025.1
Creator:
Kathy Tighe
Accession Date:
05/11/2025
ID:
Category:
Location
Location:
Bohuntin
Current Location
Rules:
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007