Some advice for a newcomer?

[Thunderbolt]

Wolf,

Congrats on your decision! It takes a man to wear a kilt....

I always say to err on the side of quality when buying the first kilt. The reason for this is because then you know how a real kilt feels and have something to compare it to. I would stick to some of the major makers, as they have a reputation to keep.

As far as accessories; first you have to decide what look you're going for. Traditional or contemporary? If going trad, you need a bunch of accessories. Hose, flashes, sgian dubh, kilt pin, brogues, etc. Some will argue to no end about what is or isn't needed, that's why you need to decide what you're going for.

As far as a tartan choice, there are many. In fact, my Clan has a pipe band associated with us in the Netherlands, the Red Rose of Lochbuie, ( http://www.redroseoflochbuie.nl/ ) that wears our tartan and, I doubt any of them are Scottish! We are proud to have them wear our tartan. I offer, if it pleases you, to wear our tartan, you are more than welcome!

But if something else strikes you, go for it. I know the European Union (EU) has their own tartan, if you want that.

First, I would do a little research on your family history. Your fathers geneology usually first, then your mothers. Do not automatically count them out because they have "blank" name. Do a little digging and I'm almost positive you'll find something. And, it will mean more to you if you can find a family connection to a tartan.

As a matter of fact, if you have a French history, there is an "Auld Alliance" tartan, showing the connection of the French and Scots.

Good luck on your adventure. You'll have a great time and welcome!

Thunderbolt

[davedove]

As far as Belgian tartans go, in the November 2007 issue of the Tartan Herald from the Scottish Tartans Authority, they describe a Belgian tartan from the 1st Squadron of the Belgian Air Force.

[Don Patrick]

Welcome from Texas, USA.

You should wear the tartan of the clan you would give your alliegence to. The Scottish Clan Chiefs provide this guidance. It is kind of like flying a nation's flag in your front yard. The council is considered the real authority for answers concerning your question.

Traditions are important to most of us, even those that say otherwise. Depends on a person's frame of reference - is it an important matter or is it not. I for one would never want to step on another's traditions.

I personally recommend 16 oz wool kilt and Matt Newsome.