Greetings All,

I am delurking after nearly two months membership and having followed many of the discussion threads on this esteemed group.

I cannot claim to be a direct Scottish descendant but am a real mix of Celtic and other ethnicities. My surname is Griffiths and I have traced this back through about seven generations to South Wales from whence many other descendants have migrated throughout the globe. My maternal grandparents’ surnames were Holmes and Andrews. The Andrews I have traced back and appear to come from Scotland, although that is a little difficult to substantiate for sure. The Holmes side appears to come from Ireland with probable Scottish connections but again is a little difficult to be certain. To add to the mix, my paternal grandmother’s name was Sibbons and appears to be descend from Jewish Italian lace makers. When my parents married my maternal grandfather, who I never knew, declared that if they ever had a child it would be a cross between a bull bitch and a window shutter. Thanks Pops, so that’s me!!

I was introduced to Kilt wearing nearly three years ago when invited to a Hogmanay party and a subsequent Burns supper, both informal occasions, where it was suggested that all should attend kilted. Since then I have not looked back and am now the owner of ten kilts, PV I am afraid, would love to own a proper wool one and have promised myself this when I manage to get a job again. I have worn a kilt on many occasions, to work, for evening socials, shopping, attending education and even to sign on for my Job Seekers Allowance. During all these instances I have never received any adverse comments only a few interesting looks. Indeed, at an evening social at the pub I was approached by a Scottish lady who said how pleased she was to see someone wearing a kilt, albeit she looked a little disappointed that I didn’t have a Scottish accent.

So as not to offend anyone, I avoid any Clan tartans and stick to the Stewart tartans, which I believe may be worn by anyone, together with some modern tartans and a Heritage of Wales Cilt to celebrate my surname.

Regards,
Ian