Aboyne outdoors shop reaches agreement over Glencoe trademark
They'd been locked in a disagreement with the National Trust for Scotland
Last updated 28th Aug 2017
National Trust for Scotland have come to an agreement with a North East shop over the name of one of their jackets.
Hilltrek Outdoor Clothing had been ordered to stop using the word "Glencoe" on the clothing because the word's been trademarked by the organisation.
But now they've given permission for the Aboyne company to keep selling their Glencoe jackets
The conservation charity was accused of "bullying'' after threatening Aboyne-based Hilltrek Outdoor Clothing with legal action earlier this month.
The charity has now admitted that it was "wrong" to target the business and has recognised its prior rights to use the name for the jacket.
Customer director Mark Bishop said: "When we first took action to protect our properties and the Trust through the application of trademarks, our intention was always to ensure that this protection also sheltered local businesses and communities from exploitative or inappropriate use of the names in question.
"We were always clear that we did not see the trademarks having any effect whatsoever on established businesses with local products.
"On this occasion, we got it wrong. If we had done our homework on Hilltrek before our lawyers contacted them, it would have been clear that this was a Scottish company which has been manufacturing this product with this name for a number of years. Our first response would then have been to come to a mutual agreement over the issue, which is what we have now achieved.
"I am pleased to say that there will be no restriction on Hilltrek continuing to use Glencoe as before as the name of this product line. There is much we have in common as we both appeal to people who love Scotland's magnificent wild lands and this is something we want to focus on together.''
Mr Shand said he was "delighted" an agreement had been reached so quickly and the company could continue to sell the jacket.
He added: "As I have said before, the National Trust for Scotland does a lot of good work protecting and caring for the places our customers enjoy.
"I urge people to go on supporting the charity and the work they do."