A Great Day In Edinburgh

**Daneel** · 21st January 05, 09:51 AM

Hi All, Well my trip Edinburgh is over and done, but what a day we had. The morning was spent on the Royal Mile in and out of every shop lingering in some of the better kilt shops. My wife plan to restrict me to only one crumbled very quickly as she started to enjoy looking as much as I did. I was looking forward especially to Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmakers for I was hoping to have a look at some TFCK kilts. Well in we went to the shop and had a look round. They had some great looking kilts for sale at great prices but not the sizes that fitted me. The Ancient Gunne Tartan being very popular. I bought a leather sporran strap and was happy at that. Outside I noticed a sign for TFCK pointing down an ally way beside the shop. Following the sign we came to a door that was locked and with a sign that said entrance to TFCK via the main shop. So back we went. I asked an assistant the way and he happily took us down to TFCK telling us that the builders and fitters where still working getting the shop ready for its opening on Friday, but we where welcome to look around. It was amazing, workers, everywhere. I started to have a look at the kilts and from the back of the shop came a guy in a great looking TFCK. I assumed he was an assistant and he asked if I was looking for anything particular. As we talked I thought I recognised him but could not place the face. I really liked some of the Old Reeky tweed colours. The “assistant” then said that he enjoyed creating the tweeds for the kilts and then the penny dropped. It was Howie himself. We talked for some time and with his encouragement (read salesmanship of the first order) and the support of my wife I bought a TFCK in Dark Blue Tweed. Howie was very generous in not only giving a reduction in the price but also throwing a pair of blue socks into the deal. He presented my wife with a TFCK Kilt Pin, which she is now really proud of. On the way out he handed us a sporran key ring as a souvenir of Edinburgh. One of Howie’s greatest pleasures is seeing some on leaving the shop wearing one of his kilts and I was proud to do so. Having left TFCK I was feeling a bit self-conscious. My wife and I both noticed that I was being looked at by nearly every one we passed. My tartan kilt never raised an eyebrow. With in 5 minutes of the shop a Japanese tourist stopped me and she asked if her husband could take our photo together. I felt very proud and my wife just smiled at me and said later she was so pleased to see me happy and now under stood how eccentric I really am. The great thing about the TFCK is that what you wear with it does not have to follow conventions. That in its self is a release but also a challenge. I’m looking forward to it. The other challenge is going to be the reaction to the kilt on the street. I rarely got a second look in Belfast when wearing the tartan. I suspect things will be interesting if Edinburgh was any sort of indicator. Needless to say I keep you informed. I have posted some pictures.

**GMan** · 21st January 05, 09:58 AM

Daneel,

That is soooo cool 8) Glad that things are going well for you and that you are enjoying yourself.

As far as being in Edinburgh, I am so jealous that I am very happy for you!

Have a great time!

**Casey** · 21st January 05, 10:29 AM

Todate, I have not been a fan of plain kilts, but I must admit that I really like the look of your tweed.

Makes one think.

Do we get a discount if we drop your name?

Casey

**macwilkin** · 21st January 05, 10:32 AM

A Tweed kilt AND a Barbour Wax Jacket -- now I am very jealous! :mrgreen:

Tweed kilts have been around for quite sometime -- Queen Victoria's Ghillies at the Balmoral Estate wore them, for instance.

I think they're quite "natty" myself, along with the Hodden Grey kilts of the London Scottish Regiment -- someday!

Does TFCK have a web site?

Cheers,

T.

**Casey** · 21st January 05, 10:35 AM

Todd,

Here you go.

http://www.21stcenturykilts.co.uk/up...age=2100002142

Casey

**macwilkin** · 21st January 05, 10:43 AM

Very interesting, Casey...

Cheers,

T.

**bikercelt1** · 21st January 05, 04:03 PM

How great, Daneel! The kilt looks great on you too. I was in Edinburgh myself just a few weeks ago, although I haven't had time yet to post a story about my trip, so it was neat to see the picture of you in front of the castle. It looked like it was quite a bit calmer for you, I spent much of my time trying to hold my kilt down so I didn't answer everyones favorite question. I particularly enjoyed your mention of the Japanese tourists. There were a lot of Japanese tourists when I was there between Christmas and Newyear, and many of them tried to be sly about taking my picture. I kept seeing camera lenses poking out from under their elbows as they stood with their back to me, then I realised that they were using the larger "view finder" of their digital camera to snap my picture "discreetly"! My daughter confirmed this when she happened to be standing behind a couple of tourists who were showing each other their pictures and to her surprise they were pictures of me. I figure I must be in quite a few vacation photo albums.

Jamie

**Rob Wright** · 21st January 05, 07:26 PM

I am sooooooo jealous Daneel. Glad you and the missus had a great time. That is one fine looking kilt.

Rob Wright

**Riverkilt** · 22nd January 05, 11:18 AM

What a wonderful story Daneel - THANK YOU!!

Great pic of the kilt too. Notice on the TFCK website they are wearing their socks rumpled with low cut casual shoes. I've been wondering about that with warm weather looming again...kilt sox with tennis shoes pulled up looks weird to me, athletic sox with tennis shoes and a kilt looks weird too. But the rumpled kilt sox with tennis shoes doesn't look bad with the kilt sox not pushed all the way down to the shoes. Fickle fashion, a small thing that makes or breaks the look. Thanks for the tip.

And, out of curiosity, what do the boys at TFCK use to fasten their kilts?...velcro, snaps, buttons,...??

Thanks.

Ron