About Sturgeon Leatherworks and our Jacobite Sporrans

Sturgeon Leatherworks was born three years ago out of a simple problem. I needed an authentic Jacobite sporran for reenactment, and couldn’t find one that truly that met the mark. So I set out to make one myself.

What started as a personal challenge quickly became a deep passion. Through years of self taught leatherworking and in depth historical research, I developed a love for sporrans, history, and highland dress.

My mission is to create historically accurate reproductions of 18th century sporrans. Not just for reenactors, but for everyday kilt wearers, explorers, and those who appreciate historical craftsmanship.

Each sporran is crafted from premium bark-tanned deerskin, carefully hand-dyed and aged using a natural blend of walnut hull dye and conditioning oils. The result is a rich, durable leather that resists the elements and develops character with time.

A man dressed as a Scottish Highlander, wearing a tartan kilt, plaid jacket, and bonnet, holding a sword and shield outdoors with a mountain and forest background.

  • As an 18th century tailor and material culture living historian, I spend a lot of time and effort making sure every detail in the items I am creating are as true to the period as I can make them. So I appreciate when I encounter someone else who has that same passion for detail and historical accuracy! Through countless hours of hard work and research, Darrin has mastered the art of making historically accurate, beautiful, and well-crafted reproduction sporrans. The late 17th/early 18th century hand-sewn vegetable tanned deerskin sporran I purchased from him in April 2024 is spectacularly made. Whether you are a stickler for historic detail like me, or just enjoy wearing a beautiful, hand-made sporran, you won’t go wrong with Sturgeon Leatherworks.

    — Derek

  • I have been wearing a Kilt for about 15 years and was recently looking for a Sporran appropriate to the 18th Century. I couldn’t find a style that I liked until a post from Sturgeon Leatherworks appeared in my Facebook feed. I contacted Darrin and commissioned a Jacobite Sporran. Darrin and I discussed options, payment was easy, I was kept informed of progress and delivery was right on time. I own sporrans from Margaret Morrison, the Artificer, M.O.D., and a couple antiques. My sporran from Sturgeon Leatherworks is top quality in materials, styling and workmanship and as good as they get. I am planning my next sporran commission from Sturgeon Leatherworks!

    — Phil

  • Darrin’s work is fantastic and I’m thrilled with the sporran I purchased from him. The quality and craftsmanship of his work is fantastic, and I have no doubt that I will get many years of use out of my sporran. He was also very quick and professional with the purchase and shipping process. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking to purchase a true 18th Century replica or inspired sporran.

    — Adin

  • “I am fortunate enough to own several of the sporrans made by Darrin. I have found them to be well-built, tough, and exactly what I desired to wear with my belted plaid/great kilt – and they look good, too! I am not a re-enactor nor a historian but I have found them to be just perfect for my use.I have worn them in the snow, the rain, and the open sun in New England, Ireland, and Scotland and from those who have the eye for detail, I often receive compliments.”

    — Seanachán

  • “I purchased “The Jacobite” sporran. The transaction, communication, and shipping were all well done. The construction and appearance of the sporran are absolutely incredible! Sturgeon Leatherworks did an amazing job with reproducing this classic Highland piece. Thank you again!”

    — Seán

  • “I purchased the Jacobite sporran. I am beyond pleased with it. It was finished faster than I expected and it was much less expensive than I expected, but that is not what is most important. It is painstakingly crafted with awesome detail and no defects on any part of it. I can see nothing that would not allow it to be used in a Jacobite living history impression. If you do not do living history it is amazingly beautiful fashion accessory and a very useful small purse. I cannot praise it enough.”

    — Timothy