Yes, much to my great delight, No.86 was safely delivered yesterday. It is a beautifully crafted 8 yarder in the (almost) unique Ardbeg tweed - the no-longer woven corporate tweed of the famed Islay distillery of the same name - and painstakingly tailored for me by Anne Campbell, Redshank Scotland 's senior kiltmaker. Here is traditional rural kiltmaking at it's very best. Such is the attention to detail, that Anne telephoned me before starting work to discuss every aspect of the kilt, precisely what features I wanted, etc., and it gave us the special opportunity of getting to know one another; kiltmaker and wearer. I have to thank Chris because, had he not posted a photo of himself wearing this tweed when he first joined us here, I would not have been aware of its existence and would not now be the proud owner of this fine kilt.




Unfortunately, I am unable to wear this new acquisition!

Through no fault of Anne, Chris or anyone at Redshank Scotland, I am ashamed to say I have put on so much weight since placing the order in early November that I cannot quite get the points of the embossed straps to reach the buckles, let alone do them up on the last holes! When I 'phoned to acknowledge receipt of the kilt and its matching flashes, Anne offered to take it back for adjustment (there being plenty of spare fabric built-in to accommodate this), but I declined her kind offer. I feel that if this new kilt, with its basting stitches intact, remains within my sight, it will be an important incentive for me to work at losing a few inches around my waist, which I desperately need to do. Quite how I am to achieve this, I am not yet sure, since it is in part due to the medication I am now obliged to take, but I am determined to be wearing the Ardbeg tweed at Easter.

Take care,
Ham.