Hello:

I am a law student in NYC, and I am hoping to get my first kilt sometime this summer. My first year of school will end in May, and I am hoping to spend the summer studying somewhere in Europe and travelling for pleasure, since this may be the last chance I have for a long time to do this. During my travels I hope to visit Edinburgh for a long weekend, and hopefully get measured for a kilt there.

I have a variety of questions, and I was hoping someone could direct me to the appropriate sections of the forum:

1. What tartan should I get? I am related to Clans Keith and Gunn, but the documentation to prove it has been lost through the years, though I know my ancestors of Septs Falconer and Mann, respectively, definetly hailed from Scotland. According to some Keiths I met at a highland games in Lune (Loon?) Mountain in NH several years back, if my mother has the middle name Falconer that is good enough, since they feel that anyone with the name must be related to the clan. The Gunns were more circumspect, but that's only for membership in the clan. Can I get a Gunn tartan kilt regardless? My ancestry is largely kept through oral tradition in my family, though. On the whole I like the design of Gunn better, all things considered. No offence to any Keiths here.

2. Where should I get a kilt? Does anyone know any reputable kiltmakers in Edinburgh you could give a referral for? How much should I expect to pay for a quality 16oz kilt? Pleat to sett or to stripe? I prefer stripe, I think it looks better, but is that Ok for casual wear or is it a faux pas?

3. I want to wear this mostly for casual engagements. If I later decide to wear it to a formal event, I can buy or rent the appropriate jacket and waistcoat later. What accessories are considered necessary? I imagine the belt, buckle, a chain, sporran, pin and decent socks are a must. Anything else? Bear in mind that living in NYC has some special considerations, so I might not be able to openly walk around with a Sgian Dubh on my person. What should I expect to pay for quality accessories that should last? I'd rather pay more now for accessories that will last a lifetime and look very nice than buy several of the same throughout the years because they fell apart.

4. Any reccomendations on footwear for casual kilt wear? I generally wear Tony Lama cowboy boots, but I think I'd look pretty rediculous with those on under a kilt. I was thinking of reproduction WWII American paratrooper lace-up combat boots. I am Airborne (Class 26-98), so I guess I'm entitled to wear them if I desire without fear of a paratrooper getting angry with me. Any other suggestions? I'm looking for something in brown leather, lace up, 10"-14" high. I also have some tanker boots, but I don't like the look of them. I think I might have bought from the wrong manufacturer, since they dont seem to have worn well. I figure I'd roll the socks over the top of the boots. I'm a real boot fan, as you can probably guess.

Thanks for your help, and it's very nice to have found this forum!

Sincerely,

Glitch