Jun. 23, 2025

The Angels’ Share Scarf — In Memory of Tim Sexton

In Scottish formalwear, every piece tells a story — and for me, few have meant more than the first run of Angels’ Share woollen tartan scarves. They were created for the premiere of The Water of Life: A Whisky Film, and over time, they’ve become quietly tied to the memory of Tim Sexton, the film’s co-producer.

In Memory of Tim Sexton

a quiet tribute

I didn’t know Tim for long — we mostly connected through our creative back-and-forth — but he left a real impression on me. He had a warmth about him, and a quiet kind of enthusiasm that came through in every message. There was real respect in the way he approached things — for Scotland, for the whisky world, for the people in it. Even just through our emails, you could tell he had a knack for bringing folk together — whether through film, a shared dram, or just a kind word.

I like to think his legacy carries on — in every Angel’s Share scarf we made — and maybe now, in spirit, he’s still raising a glass with the rest of us, watching over the traditions he cared about most.

Tim Sexton (with Steve and company) – at the screening of The Water of Life – A Whisky Film at Glasgow’s Grosvenor Cinema, Friday, 8th November 2019.

How It Began

In autumn 2019, Tim reached out to me directly with a simple idea — to create something meaningful for the film’s key figures and supporters. From the very start, his enthusiasm was infectious, and our exchanges quickly became something I looked forward to.

He was genuinely taken by the Angel’s Share tartan, calling it “wonderful” and “something very special to gift the guys.” Over the weeks that followed, with emails bouncing between Scotland and the US, we began planning for a limited run of custom scarves — each one to be finished with bespoke embroidery of The Water of Life ...and my own woven label.

From Concept to Craft

The whole process was collaborative right from the start. Tim and his team were involved in every detail — from the size and placement of the embroidery to the colour of the thread — but they also trusted me to make sure the final result carried the spirit of the film and stayed true to Scottish craftsmanship. The scarves were woven from 100% pure new wool, on the Isle of Bute, and each one was finished by hand — from the embroidered emblem and label to the final presentation.

A Night to Remember at the Grosvenor

The Angels’ Share scarves were created as special gifts for key supporters and VIPs connected to the film — whisky legends like Jim McEwan, Ralfy, and Jack Milroy among them. Although I wasn’t present when the scarves were given, I was honoured to attend the Grosvenor Cinema screening in my Angels’ Share kilt, joining Tim, director Greg Swartz, and the rest of the team for the film — a night of whisky, camaraderie, and celebration. I wore my own scarf that evening with pride, knowing others would receive theirs in due course — each one a small but meaningful tribute to Scotland’s national spirit and the story the film set out to tell.

Tim’s warmth and gratitude came through in every exchange. He later wrote: “We can’t thank you enough for the stunning scarves! The tartan is beautiful, our embroidered label looks great, and we’re thrilled that we were able to share them with Jim, Ralfy, Jack Milroy and also with the manager of the Schloss Thurnau castle in Germany!” Even after the event, the scarves continued to make an impression — I learned Ralfy featured his on his YouTube channel, helping to share the story with a global audience.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Working with Tim never felt like just business—even though our interaction was brief, it sparked a genuine creative connection, built on a shared love of story and heritage. Hearing of his passing in 2023 was a real loss, and deeply saddened me. But I like to think his spirit lives on—in every Angels’ Share scarf, in every story told over a dram, and in the quiet spark behind the creative collaborations he helped inspire.

The Angels’ Share Tartan — From the Shadows to the Light

Now, as I bring the Angels’ Share tartan back into the light—after it’s spent some quiet time tucked away—I can’t help but look back. It’s not just about the fabric or the craft, but the story behind it all. What began as a simple email exchange with Tim turned into something quietly meaningful.

Those first scarves, made for the Water of Life premiere, still mean a lot to me. They remind me of what can happen when passion, tradition, and a bit of trust come together—thread by thread, story by story.

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Remembering Tim
...visit Tim's My Place and Story Page

A YouTube Tribute
Big Man, Wee Dram - A Final Toast for Tim Sexton

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