.............and mine is to be the very first kilt tailored in it.

For several years, Geoffrey (Tailor) in Edinburgh have had "Thistle Dubh"** as one of their exclusive corporate tartans. This week I was sent a sample of a newly designed 'grey' version of it, which has not yet been launched publicly, and was asked if I would like to be the first to have a kilt made in it! I have been considering the 'Highland Granite' tartan from Lochcarron for a while but, on seeing the 'Grey Thistle Dubh' and liking it so much, I am going with it and will be in receipt of the new 8 yard kilt in two weeks time.

(**The odd-sounding name was chosen for the corporate tartan because, when the final selection of tartans was being whittled down, a member of the Nicholsby family happened to say, "Oh, this'll do" as they held aloft the submitted design!)

Here is a photo I have just taken of the sample of "Grey Thistle Dubh":

The more I look at it, the more I like it.