Great conversation with Highland Games competitor

**NewKilt** · 21st March 08, 05:12 PM

We had a rather warm day yesterday so I decided to wear my black Amerikilt. Wore it with a light colored, blue pinstripe shirt, cream hose, and polished black shoes. Anyway, went grocery shopping with my wife at WalMart. When it was checkout time I went outside to wait for my wife.

This huge young man came up to me and said that my kilt looked really nice. By huge, I don't mean obese. This young man was every bit of 6'7" and probably weighed at least 300 lb or more. Even though he was wearing a shirt and tie, I could tell he was very muscular. Turns out that he competes in Highland Games across the US and in Scotland. His clan in Fraser, and he wears the Fraser Hunting when he competes.

Anyhow, we had a great conversation about our family history, tartans, and the Highland Games. While we were talking, a man was coming out of the store and said. in a very distinct British accent, "Were is your sgian dubh?" Turns out he was here visiting from England. I have got to make it to the St. Louis games this year because this young man will be there competing.

You are indeed empowered when you wear a kilt.

Darrell

**Alan H** · 21st March 08, 06:16 PM

Sounds like a good chat.....nothing like a kilt to get folks out of the woodwork and say hi.

BTW, most of the athletes I've met are pretty decent guys.

**macwilkin** · 21st March 08, 07:01 PM

I have got to make it to the St. Louis games this year because this young man will be there competing.

Darrell,

I'm sorry to report that the St. Louis games have been cancelled this year, so you might pass that bit of news along to the young man.

Regards,

Todd

**NewKilt** · 21st March 08, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Darrell,

I'm sorry to report that the St. Louis games have been cancelled this year, so you might pass that bit of news along to the young man.

Regards,

Todd

Todd, thanks for the info. He said he was going to compete in the Kansas City Highland Games as well. Looks like those are still on for June 13-15. I have no way to contact him about St. Louis, but I'm sure he will find out.

Darrell

**macwilkin** · 21st March 08, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by NewKilt

Todd, thanks for the info. He said he was going to compete in the Kansas City Highland Games as well. Looks like those are still on for June 13-15. I have no way to contact him about St. Louis, but I'm sure he will find out.

Darrell

Here is the explanation on the St. Louis games web site:

http://www.stlouis-scottishgames.com/

It's a shame, but I certainly can sympathise with them.

T.

**kiltedinUSMC** · 22nd March 08, 01:18 PM

Dont you just love when people are more nicer when you wear a kilt? That was a great story thanks for sharing with us.

**Yaish** · 23rd March 08, 01:38 AM

You didn't happen to get his name did you? He might have his scores in the NASGA database.

Generally all the athletes I've met have been really cool, even the pro's. It's one of the few sports I've seen where even the pro's will give their competitors advice or help, even at the cost of their rival bettering their throw.
I've literally seen a guy take the shirt off his own back and wipe down a caber that was slippery with morning dew for another competitor.

**NewKilt** · 24th March 08, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by Yaish

You didn't happen to get his name did you? He might have his scores in the NASGA database.

Generally all the athletes I've met have been really cool, even the pro's. It's one of the few sports I've seen where even the pro's will give their competitors advice or help, even at the cost of their rival bettering their throw.
I've literally seen a guy take the shirt off his own back and wipe down a caber that was slippery with morning dew for another competitor.

Like a big dummy I didn't get his name. If at all possible I'm going to the Kansas City Highland games in June. He's supposed to be their and I'll recognize him if I see him. I did say to him "you must be pretty high up on the list" meaning his scores, and he said he was. This young man seemed very gracious, but looked like he could toss a caber like it was a yardstick.

Darrell

**Alaskan Kilted Guy** · 24th March 08, 12:25 PM

Right on. Gotta love a good conversation starter!

**floridaredhead** · 24th March 08, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by NewKilt

You are indeed empowered when you wear a kilt.

Darrell

I'd have to say the same applies to ladies wearing the sash.

I'm female, btw, and look for any excuse to wear my sash!

I'm trying to convince my b/f - of O'Neill, Stewart and MacLeod ancestry - to get himself a kilt. Problem is, he's very fixated on his Prussian ancestry and is a little slow to join the kilt world. Go figure!

I keep trying!