My US Navy Edzell Semitrad from USAK arrived a month ago, and am loving it. I've been wanting this tartan for several years, and as a very proud Navy Vet, this one means a lot to me.

Due to weather, I finally (sort of) had some free time, so I grabbed the camera, tripod, a shirt and jacket, and snapped a few quick pics. Nothing fancy.


(Kind of ironic that the only kilt I have that's pleated to the sett is a "military" tartan. I dig it though.)

The shirt is Navy issue working blues, but I never actually used this particular one, so it became a regular shirt a few years ago. I have a couple with my crows on them, but they're in a crate in the basement under a dozen or so boxes of laminate flooring for a couple of jobs next week. The jacket is my go-to, anywhere/anytime, modified Goodwill tweed. The hose are charcoal from USAK, and look a bit dark in the pics. I really hope they'll lighten up some more with further washings.

For the time being I am using one of my old crows for a kilt pin, but am on the hunt for something else. No rush...I'll find it.


(I forgot that our old PT shirts, circa 2000, are reflective! Shows you how often I PT these days.)

I think that tells you what my plans are this weekend! I usually only watch one college game per year, and it's this one. I haven't missed one since 2000. I actually served in both branches (and have an Army kilt), but I'm a Navy man and an Airdale to the core.

My only complaint is that I neglected to ask for omission of the hip strap like I have done on my other kilts. My mistake, and I can live with it. It seems to add a touch of class. Now I'm in the market for a really nice black Argyll and waistcoat. This kilt, as much as I like it, will be reserved for special occasions and more “formal” times, but will still get the occasional casual outing—like the Navy-Army Game. Our American Legion Post uses the Ike Jacket and garrison cap, and I think this will look pretty good with it for parades and such. (We're pretty relaxed on using the uniform pants except for specific events. I doubt anyone would gripe about using a service tartan, especially since, surprisingly, half our members are Navy, and a quarter are Marines.)

Hmmm. Maybe I should get a casual in this tartan too.

I'm beyond pleased with this kilt. Mac built it, and did an excellent job. If you guys are ever passing through my neck of the woods (maybe on your way to the Black Hills) I owe you a steak and a beer!