Newsome Box Pleat – St. Columba

**Mael Coluim** · 18th January 08, 08:09 PM

I ordered this tartan as it was designed to commemorate the 1400th anniversary of the Saint’s death. My surname translates to follower of St. Columba and having re-enacted (2003) Columba’s Voyage from Ireland to Holy Island of Iona to establish his monastery in Scotland, well it was just had to have.

**Mael Coluim** · 18th January 08, 08:11 PM

As an aside, recently through DNA testing my haplogroup (Ui Neill (Niall of the Nine Hostages)) shows my ancestral location in the area of the old Dalraida Kingdom of Northwestern Ireland and West Central Scotland that incorporates the Kilmartin/Poltalloch area of the Malcolm/MacCallum Clan. Columba’s family was of the same High Kings of Ireland.

**Mael Coluim** · 18th January 08, 08:13 PM

Additionally with my kilt Matt selected some traditional garter ties and Lewis Kilt Hose. Gosh, they are both so nice. Boy, I’ve been spoiled. Thanks, Matt!

An additional debut is the kilt belt and sporran belt from Cavscout at Oconee Leather Works. Another work of excellent craftsmanship. Thanks, Steve!

**Oldhiker** · 19th January 08, 05:47 PM

[QUOTE=Mael Coluim;476693]As an aside, recently through DNA testing my haplogroup (Ui Neill (Niall of the Nine Hostages)) shows my ancestral location in the area of the old Dalraida Kingdom of Northwestern Ireland and West Central Scotland that incorporates the Kilmartin/Poltalloch area of the Malcolm/MacCallum Clan. Columba’s family was of the same High Kings of Ireland.

QUOTE]

Nice kilt and a great family association. What great a feeling will that be for your to wear this kilt on your next visit to Iona.

I am heading to Scotland this summer and Iona is my agenda again. That island had a special auora when I made my visit in 2006.

**Mael Coluim** · 19th January 08, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by Oldhiker

Nice kilt and a great family association. What great a feeling will that be for your to wear this kilt on your next visit to Iona.

I am heading to Scotland this summer and Iona is my agenda again. That island had a special auora when I made my visit in 2006.

It is a 'thin place' as the old Celts would say. I had some powerful 'spiritual' encounters on both my trips there '03 & '04. The Iona Community there does some powerful work in social justice.

off the Causeway Coast, N. Ireland

Landing on Iona

Procession from Martyr's Bay to the Abbey

The Abbey

**Oldhiker** · 19th January 08, 09:02 PM

those photos bring back the shivers I got when i was there.

Outstanding event.

**McClef** · 20th January 08, 04:00 AM

It's many years since I was last on Iona but I agree it has a special atmosphere and I still remember meeting George McLeod, the founder of the Iona Community.

About time I went back!