Mark Campbell Stevenson ( Ancient Archer)

[Mark Stevenson]

Hi all from the wee 'Land Down Under'. First timer so I hope I don't screw this up too much. Getting on in years now and as I suspect many others start thinking on the past and of those that have gone before. Sad to say but as far as I know, I am the last of my line in Australia. In a few months I have the honour of escorting my youngest daughter down the isle; and to that end, my life's ambition was to wear my family's Tartan. So a hand made 16oz wool Kilt with the best Prince Charlie outfit is coming from Edinborough. When I told the daughter, all she said was. "Great, don't forget the underpants". Spoil Sport! To get a Sgian Dubh and Dirk into Oz is near impossible as 2 edged knives are 'daggers' a big no go as far as Customs go. So I am making mine. I am afraid 'FAKES' are not my idea for being in Traditional Dress. A few years ago the better half and I got into archery and as fate would have it, we have been rather successful (lucky in fact) The wife ranked 2nd and myself 6th in the world in our respective bows. Mine is in the historic division. The Longbow is my favourite. The reason I mentioned this is, after the World Titles in South Africa next year we will be hitting the UK/Scotland and you can bet I will be gathering up a lot more Tartan cloth that we can't get here. I am about to start an X-Kilt in almost cheap cotton plaide as practice for the better cloth. Well better go.... running out of letters to use.

[Mael Coluim]

from the Old Dominion State!

[gary meakin]

Welcome from New Hampshire.

[Bidule]

A warm from Brussels (Belgium)...
Slàinte!

[guardsman]

welcome Bruce good to have you on board.Well done with the archery quite a feat

[McClef]

from South Wales UK!

[Chas]

Hello Mark,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the World in Norfolk, England.

Regards

Chas

[Downunder Kilt]

Hello Mark and welcome to the Forum. What State are you in? In relation to your remarks about sgian dubh's, it is my belief that they are traditionally single edged blades. I have ordered several from overseas and had no problem getting them into the country. If you are making your own double edged blade, a word of warning, they are also illegal to carry in most states in Australia, even if they are part of a national dress

If you are thinking of making your own kilts I would suggest you order a copy of the Art of Kiltmaking by Barbara Tewksbury & Elsie Stuehmeyer (Dragon Press)

As for the supply of tartan cloth in Australia, you are able to source anything you desire from vendors here or online (If its valued under A$1000, you pay no duities or GST if you import it yourself)

All the best with your kiltmaking and wearing experiences

[Mark Stevenson]

Thank ye, mighty lucky since we only took up the bow 4 yrs ago. I am not very bright so I tend to do things the hard way, I made most of my historic bows. Still thinking about wearing my summer weight kilt (if I don't muck it up) in South Africa (World Titles) that will be a hoot. Of course it will be in a Green & Gold plaide, national colours -you understand. I am told I might see the white stuff on the ground in Scotland come late October 13. Better pack the GOOD 16oz as well!

[Mark Stevenson]

Thanks for the Hi, Gary. will look up the Site quite often. Some interesting comments have turned up in Threads. Even if I don't know where they are talking about. In the Aussie outback we don't get to hear much of Scottish geography at least as far as Clans go.