Anniversary Update

[TNScotsman]

A happy email from XMarks reminded me today that this is my official one year anniversary on the site. When I first started reading the forum before joining I didn't own a kilt and was getting started in preparation for a friend's wedding, although my own interest in my Scottish heritage played a part as well. Since then, I've had a good bit of fun in the kilting world.

Kilts:
8 yard, 16 oz. wool traditional from Atlanta Kilts, Campbell of Cawdor ancient
8 yard, 13 oz. traditional PVs: Black Watch (required for the wedding), Scottish National, American Heritage

In addition to the kilts I've acquired a good number of accessories. I've bought more hose than I thought I would, in part because on recognizing the difference between good ones and cheap ones I had to refresh with really good ones. There are a couple of day sporrans, one evening, and a couple of kilt belts, along with a pair of Ghillie Brogues. A higher quality day sporran is on the list as the rather inexpensive ones I have just aren't as usable as I'd like.

I've also had good chances to be kilted at a variety of events: high tea on a summer afternoon, Christmas Eve service, St. Patrick's Day dinner, pub night for my friend's bachelor party, Downton Abbey in the theater, highland games, a Daughters of the British Empire Christmas Tea, full PC for a wedding

I'm looking forward to being kilted more often during the holidays this year, including having the PC for Christmas Eve service. Yes, it's an evening event and while attire varies there has been a tradition at that particular church of people attending in PC, so it's an appropriate outfit for the event. Up next on the kilt list will be a MacFarlane, as I've discovered that my maternal heritage is of Clan MacFarlane and they've generously welcomed me into the fold. I also need a new Argyll jacket and waistcoat; I bought the first a few months after my fight with COVID and lots of time in the gym since then means it simply doesn't fit in the shoulders any more. It's a valuable reminder to be thankful for a good recovery and the opportunity to rebuild.

[Kitfoxdave]

I bought some kilts, and wear them to work on fridays... I also wear them on the weekends... nice to be comfortable while out and about.

[tripleblessed]

Opinions will vary on whether to wear kilts or not. Some feel they are inappropriate (for the most part) outside the Scottish Highlands. I grew up in rural south Georgia, where virtually everyone has at least some Scots heritage. Oglethorpe, having no funds for troops, and knowing that Spain would resist British expansion southward, requested assistance from highland lairds he knew residing in London. That assistance resulted in the raising of a body of highland Scots willing to risk life and limb for progeny. With no hope of land ownership there, they were willing to risk all in exchange for land here. Their own land. Not a charter of use, but deed of ownership. Numbers vary with reports,
but probably north of 400 men felt that what happened to them was irrelevant; their children and grandchildren would OWN land. Four years down the road, about half had been lost, but the Spanish gave up the resistance. The names on the graves across the south Georgia landscape proves the truth of their logic and their successful efforts. Their kilts were not confiscated at the docks leaving Scotland, and their dedication to the success of this country bought their descendants a fair modicum of freedom of choice. Scots soldiers have left progeny and pipe bands across the globe. Some might say this gives the "right" to wear the kilt. I wouldn't know. My paychecks for serving as President/Prime Minister of the universe have mysteriously been few and far between lately, so I am abdicating the burden of making decisions for everyone else, and my exit fiat is that all may make their own choices at their own risk.

I personally wear kilts as matter of comfort. I lead bluegrass jams or perform three or four times a week, and almost always in a kilt. Well received almost universally,
and many pleasant conversations engendered. Other world-shaking events such as grocery shopping or trips to the hardware store might also be kilted. For roofing,
or for walking steel to hang lights and concert rigs, I prefer my lower legs be covered, both for protecting my skin and the eyes of the observers.

The point of my post is that the more you wear one, the more comfortable you are in them, and the more they look and feel as though you "belong" in them. Others will tend to agree. I often get positive comment from unexpected sources; you will, too.

[TNScotsman]

Thanks for the history lesson about Scots in South Georgia. I'm quite familiar with the story of Scots in Appalachia, but even though I'm in South Georgia on the coast 3-4 times a year I'd never heard this history about Oglethorpe raising a small army of Scotsmen.

While my kilt-wearing is usually connected to events where such attire is relatively expected, I have to agree that in many circumstances a kilt is just downright comfortable!

[BadenochWolf]

I grew up in rural south Georgia, where virtually everyone has at least some Scots heritage...

Fascinating! This explains some Keith relations in West Point, GA. Thank you for the history lesson!