Lidl rolls out the tartan ahead of Burns Night

What sells quicker than hot cakes? How about tartan kilts, leather sporrans, ghillie shirts and bagpipes!

Lidl stores in the UK have almost completely sold out of the Scottish-themed items just days ahead of the annual commemoration of Scotland's national poet Robert Burns.

Burns Night, held every January 25th, commemorates the life of Scottish poet Robert Burns who was born 1759 and died in July 1796, leaving behind a siezable body of work in poetry and song.

While it may impossible to guess what the author of Auld Lang Syne and Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation would think of such a promotion, consumers seem to be enthusiastic.

The German discounter introduced the "Burns Night products" earlier this month following a successful pilot in Scotland that saw stock sell out within a couple of days.

The range of "traditional Highland wear" sold across some 610 stores includes a men's eight-yard kilt in two tartans for £29.99 (€39.27), ghillie shirts for £11.99 (€15.70) and a leather sporran for £9.99 (€13.08).

Children’s playable bagpipes also went on sale for just £12.99 (€17.01).

"This fantastic range, at unbelievably low prices, will give everyone the chance to celebrate Burns Night in proper Scottish style whilst showcasing Scotland's proud heritage and traditions," Lidl non-food buying manager Josie Stone said.

“Highland wear can often be unaffordable to many, costing hundreds of pounds, so it’s great to be able to offer an eight yard kilt for under £30.”

The discounter also introduced Scottish food across its UK network from mid-January, including 12-year aged Malt Scotch Whisky and a 99p haggis.

While skiing and trekking equipment might be popular with Lidl’s Irish consumers, it appears unlikely that a range similar to the Scottish selection will be introduced here any time soon.

Lidl confirmed as much - saying it has no plans to introduce discounted uileann pipes to the Irish market at this stage.

Similarly to Ireland, where Lidl and Aldi enjoyed a more than buoyant year in 2014 with sales growth of 15 per cent and 12.2 per cent respectively, the German disounters have continued to make gains at the expense of the major supermarket players across the UK.

November figures from Kantar Worldpanel showing Aldi’s UK sales 25.5 per cent higher than a year ago and its market share up to a record 4.9 per cent.