Canada's insider blog

Newfoundland is known for many things … icebergs, moose, toe-tapping music, even a unique twist on English by the locals. But easy-going Newfies are not known for causing a commotion, so what’s this I hear about a Newfoundland company causing an international uproar because it beat some Scots at their own business of tweed-making?

Turns out that a savvy fashion firm in Mount Pearl – that’s Newfoundland’s second largest city with all of 25,000 people – has landed a new licensing deal with the BBC.

AbbyShot Clothiers has been asked to provide replica wool jackets like the one worn by the eleventh Doctor Who in the popular sci-fi TV show.

And that’s got the Scottish textile industry crying foul. Well now, indn't dat fulish bye? (Newfie speak for ‘isn't that foolish, eh?’)

Of course, it is. Newfoundlanders are a product of the ‘old’ country, descendents of immigrants from England, Ireland and Scotland who arrived in the 19th century. The Mother Country should be proud her offspring are thriving, even if it means a little friendly competition.

And let’s be clear; AbbyShot isn’t some new upstart who’s a little too big for her breeches. These folks have been making movie-inspired clothing for years and winning awards to boot.

So shut up your prate (be quiet!) or pay them a visit and find out the Newfie secret to making killer coats.