New member from Calgary, Alberta, Canada

**KiltedHope** · 30th April 18, 08:56 AM

Hey kilted warriors of the world!

Doing the obligatory drop in to say hi from a new member!

I started wearing a kilt in the last two years. My son was a member of highland cadet corp and was introduced to wearing a kilt as part of his uniform. He really liked it and asked if we had a family tartan and any history of wearing kilts. I was mystified but started looking into that partly for him and partly for me. It turns out that my family has ties to the Hopes of Scotland and likely to the Blairs of Scotland as well although we are still waiting for confirmation of the Blair connection. The family connection was surprisingly strong with the Hopes and well documented actually.

In the meantime, I signed up for the annual "Scot's on the Run" 5 kilometre run at the Calgary Highland Games, picked up an inexpensive Black Watch kilt and some basic kilt accessories and started climbing my kilt curve so to speak. I quickly started enjoying wearing a kilt. So, I found a manufacturer who had the Hope tartan in a 13oz weave and placed an order. Soon I had my 8-yard kilt plus matching fly plaid and some spare material to make two bagpipe bag covers too. Incidentally, just ordered my son an 8-yard kilt and fly plaid in the same material for his grade 12 graduation.

I have been wearing my Hope kilt both for both semi-formal and informal events and even just to work for no reason at all. It is certainly a conversation starter and I often find myself posing for photos with others. I have just placed an order for a nice black Argyle coat, some ghillie brogues, and a nice H&M dark seal skin sporran so that I can dress this up further. I haven't worn my fly plaid yet as I haven't had the accoutrements required to be formal or attended a formal enough event but now I feel confident that I can. I know the fly plaid is a contentious addition as asserted by some posts over the years (yes, I have occasioned this site and others a few times) but would rather have the option and was advised that the it is best to get the items all made from the same bolt of tartan. Since the Hope tartan is not on weave it was the prudent thing to do. I am still looking around for someone, preferably locally, to make the bagpipe bag covers from the tartan material I have. My son is well on his way to becoming an accomplished bagpiper and I getting further along in my learning of that fine instrument as well.

While I may not post new posts often, I am occasioned to replying on other forums that I participate in. I would also like to thank the many fine forum participants who have shared much with the community and raised the standards for not only the perceptions of the modern and historic kilts and accoutrements wearing, but also for the respectful and awesome responses that tend to grace many conversations and inquiries made. It is always reassuring to a potential or actual new member to know that all questions are welcome and that respect is a two-way street.

So, with that, I say hello to you all and look forward to years of sharing and learning and growing with you, the kilted community here on X Mark The Scot. Oh, and my name is Scott.

Airaghardt!

**Kiltedjohn** · 30th April 18, 10:05 AM

Hello, Scott, and welcome from a Scotsman living in the English midlands.

**ThistleDown** · 30th April 18, 10:18 AM

Welcome, Scott, from Inverness-shire and British Columbia.

**Liam** · 30th April 18, 10:39 AM

Welcome and Hello Scott! Great to have another Calgarians on board. I volunteer annually at the Calgary Highland Games, and no doubt I saw you as you ran around the field.

**plaid preacher** · 30th April 18, 10:42 AM

from Stratford, Ontario.

**KiltedHope** · 30th April 18, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by Liam

Welcome and Hello Scott! Great to have another Calgarians on board. I volunteer annually at the Calgary Highland Games, and no doubt I saw you as you ran around the field.

Thank you Liam. Indeed our paths likely have crossed. I suspect we will encounter each other soon once again as I will be there again this year and at the Canmore highland games as well. My son will be competing again this year too. I must make a point to connect with you then.

Airaghardt!