Ulster Scots kilts

**beloitpiper** · 17th July 08, 11:31 PM

I've been here for 4 days, and I've already seen numerous kilts.

The Scarva Sham Fight is a recreation of the Battle of the Boyne and includes an Orange parade. This normally quiet 3,000 person town is flooded by 60,000 for the event, which included many pipe bands. Fun fact: Northern Ireland has more pipe bands than Scotland.

We got a reception dinner our first night there, and a piper was there to welcome us! Afterward I talked to him a bit. Nice guy with a great kilt! (Gordon weather, by the way)

While getting a tour of the Falls in west Belfast, I noticed this on the side of a Catholic primary school. Scouts in kilts! It can be done! I thought it was great, and I had to shre it with you guys.

If you're interested in the rest of my photos, or reading about my trip so far, check out my Picasa photo albums and travel blog. Warning: some material is not forum appropriate, so keep the blog and Picasa separate from X Marks, please.

**Bob C** · 18th July 08, 09:49 AM

Amazing photos.

**michaelbeeman** · 18th July 08, 02:53 PM

Great pictures! Thanks for taking us along.

**cessna152towser** · 18th July 08, 02:55 PM

Super pics, Greg.
Are you going to make it over to Scotland this time?

**pdcorlis** · 18th July 08, 02:58 PM

I think someone is in their happy place...

Thanks for the photos Greg.

**beloitpiper** · 18th July 08, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

Super pics, Greg.
Are you going to make it over to Scotland this time?

Sorry, I only a couple of (nonconsecutive) free days, so I do not have any time to go to Scotland. But I know of a certain Glasgewian Moderator who may be interested in a travel companion...

**Mael Coluim** · 18th July 08, 03:52 PM

Great pix [I checked out the photo link], Greg, but a sad theme. Peace, peace but there is no peace. Don’t think the Orangemen’s parade help relations between their fellow Irish.

You certainly have a way in meeting important people. Must be that big smile of yours!

**macwilkin** · 18th July 08, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

Great pix [I checked out the photo link], Greg, but a sad theme. Peace, peace but there is no peace. Don’t think the Orangemen’s parade help relations between their fellow Irish.

You certainly have a way in meeting important people. Must be that big smile of yours!

I believe Greg asked that folks not discuss the political aspects of his photos. Let's leave the issues in Northern Ireland to those who reside there, please.

Regards,

Todd

**McFarkus** · 19th July 08, 06:43 AM

Greg,

IIRC you said you weren't going to be kilted this visit because of the research project you're engaged on. Did you bring at least ONE kilt?

**beloitpiper** · 20th July 08, 03:17 AM

Originally Posted by McFarkus

Greg,

IIRC you said you weren't going to be kilted this visit because of the research project you're engaged on. Did you bring at least ONE kilt?

No, I didn't bring a kilt because I'm purposely trying to look as American as possible to (hopefully) give an air of neutrality. Also, out of the 12 ambassadors on the trip, half are working with the Ulster Scots and half with the Irish. Since I'm working with the Irish, I wouldn't really have a good opportunity to wear it anyway.

When I get back to the states, there'll be a cla pub match, hey? It'll be my twist on the scoops, muisce! Going without a kilt is dose, but maybe I'll just relax the cacks first.