Rattray's history stretches back to 1903, when skilled Scottish tobacco blender Charles Rattray set out to become his own boss, and realised a long-held dream by acquiring ownership of, and by taking over a tobacconist shop in the old capital of Perth. His knowledge of the art of blending soon made the endeavor successful, with Rattray's becoming the place to go for the best smoking mixtures. Later on he expanded into offering Rattray's pipes — private-label pieces selected from the best work produced by respected and well-established factories abroad. More than a hundred years later, that tradition continues, with the addition of a select, hand-made series being produced to Rattray's diligent specifications by a small, two-man artisanal workshop.