No.86 in The Kilt Kollection

**Hamish** · 19th January 08, 07:14 AM

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.

**GMan** · 19th January 08, 07:16 AM

Ham,

That is a wonderful looking tartan, and what a great inspiration to do in order for it to become a proper looking garment.

**TheSp8** · 19th January 08, 07:22 AM

That is a beautiful kilt Hamish. Too bad that tweed is no longer woven. I sincerely hope you meet your goal of wearing it at Easter. I look forward to seeing it in your garden.

YMOS,
Tony

**James MacMillan** · 19th January 08, 07:23 AM

Congratulations on number 86. Hope you are wearing it soon.

**auld argonian** · 19th January 08, 07:27 AM

Egads! That is phenomenal. Such subtlety. That's one tartan (tweed?) that could very well be made into a kilt suit and even I would like it.

As to the weight thing...to quote my cousin (and he really is!) Willie, "I feel your pain."

After putting it off all season, I stepped on a scale last night and registered an all time high of 191 pounds...I console myself by saying that if I was in Europe...or even Canada...I would only weigh 86.6 kilos...but it was poor consolation.

Hopefully you'll manage to work it off without too much self-denial, Ham. I'm sure that you're going to start right after Burn's Night...

Best

AA

**andyfg** · 19th January 08, 07:30 AM

Lovely kilt Ham. I wish you every success in losing those inches (and look forward to seeing you in the kilt at Easter!).

**Barb T** · 19th January 08, 07:36 AM

What a beautiful kilt, Hamish! I can't wait to see pictures of you in it at Easter time.

Barb

**JRB** · 19th January 08, 07:37 AM

I've been waiting to see this kilt since you mentioned placing the order. I love the Ardbeg tweed. Good luck with your weight loss. That beautiful kilt is certainly good motivation.