I wouldn't say quilting is particularly new in Scotland, but it's not the biggest creative art. Traditionally Scots have always relied on 'cottage industries', but these were usually associated with the surfeit of wool, particularly in the Highlands and Islands, famous for wool yarn and of course, tweed.
Re the price of fabric, it's also supply and demand. There's only around 15-20 quilt shops in the entire country (population of just over 5 million), so our quilt shops can't command the bulk orders that lead to the massive discounts you gals enjoy. Our fabric is also more expensive than England
- currently £14/$23 a metre for flannel....