Greetings from the new guy in Oakland, California!

**Piedmont Highlander** · 30th September 14, 01:03 AM

Hello All!

My name is Josh, I'm 41, single, from Oakland, CA. I'm actually not Scottish (although I have some suspicions about my Viking heritage...and some of the ginger hairs on my head), but I went to a high school and our mascot was The Highlanders (see my avatar). That counts, right? Anyway, long, long ago when I was a teenager, my sister went to a garage sale and came back, telling me a story about finding a honest to goodness kilt in the $.25 bin, but she didn't get it because she "didn't know anyone who would want one". I shrieked that *I* would want it. She went back later and it was, of course, gone. Fast forward many years later and after talking about it for 20+ years, I went onto eBay and got a "starter" kilt. It's acrylic in a Royal Stewart tartan. I wore it on Friday night and then Saturday night in San Francisco. It was a warm night in the city and standing in the breezeway, feeling the breeze, I knew I'd found something I wanted more of. Plus, it looks totally awesome.

There's a lot to know, obviously, about wearing a kilt and I realized that my enthusiasm was going to get the best of me if I didn't talk to some people who actually know something about this. So I'm looking forward to learning more and getting a real kilt that fits me (I'll be posting about the 8 yard I purchased today very soon). I got a "starter" sporran, and the hose to go along with it. Flashes, pin, and waistcoat? This is already getting pretty expensive.

Obviously, I'm not in a clan, and I'm a firm believer in respecting the Scottish culture and the rules they have, which is why I chose a Royal Stewart, since I read that was one of the acceptable tartans that everyone can wear. And for my next (real) kilt, I'd like to make a good choice that looks good and also doesn't offend anyone.

I also have thoughts about sewing my own utilikilt.

So thanks for having me, and I hope to learn as much as I can from you all.

**Jock Scot** · 30th September 14, 01:29 AM

Welcome, from Inverness-shire.

**Hawk** · 30th September 14, 01:43 AM

Welcome to the XMTS Community Josh......from about 10-11 hours north of you....

Hawk

**KentuckyCeltophile** · 30th September 14, 02:00 AM

Hey Josh! Welcome to the Great Rabble from Kentucky!
I too have a Royal Stewart. I bought it in haste in Scotland, so it's not an exact fit. However, it looks great so my wife says. I think you'll be warmly welcomed here. You'll find out quickly that there are very few rules about wearing kilts and most everyone is generally accepting of your decision to wear any kilt you like. No "kilt kops" as they say. It's cool too that you respect the culture. I feel the same way. Anyway...welcome!
Cheers,
KC

**Spartan Tartan** · 30th September 14, 02:00 AM

from Rhode Island

**Laird_M** · 30th September 14, 02:34 AM

Welcome to the boards.

**rtown** · 30th September 14, 04:25 AM

Hello and welcome

**Stitchwiz** · 30th September 14, 05:09 AM

From Owen Sound, ON.

**Father Bill** · 30th September 14, 05:25 AM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

**sailortats** · 30th September 14, 05:55 AM

HI Josh, as has been said, welcome to xmarks. Also as you live "next door" to me (practically) I hope we can meet up one of these days. As a member of the Stewart clan I am pleased to see that you wear a Royal Stewart kilt. Another Stewart kilt that you might like is the Stewart Hunting which is also considered a "universal" tartan.