RKilts Grand Opening and flight of the Saltire

[robthehiker]

I completely missed this thread until now. Looks like a great time was had by all.

[Panache]

Robert,

I'm glad to see that the grand opening of your new shop was so well celebrated and the XMTSAS Saltire was so warmly welcomed!

Cheers

Jamie

[McClef]

Good to know it all went well and so many happy kilties attended to see both the shop and the Saltire. All that snow too!

[McMurdo]

Sorry for the delay, but without further ado here are my photos and report of the R-Kilts Grand Opening/Landing of the good ship Saltire. Linda and I went up to Brampton to collect David who had asked for a designated driver. Once we picked up Dave we made our way to that most Canadian of destinations Tim Horton's Coffee, it was here that I called Robert and was told it was snowing heavily in Stratford. I was also told that Hamish was attending via Skype and so shouted out my best to the Laird of Lochaber. After procuring the desired caffeine we were on the road to Stratford.

The roads proved more treacherous with each passing kilometer with both lightning and snow at the same time, a phenomenon that I was blissfully unaware of until now. There were as we continued our arduous journey a few cars off in the ditch on either side of the highway. Steeling our resolve for what lay ahead we pressed on.

Once we were safely in the lovely town of Stratford we found that the Skype conversations were still going strong, this time it was Robert's father joining us from the computer screen, and inside the shop was filled with kilted gentlemen from as far away as New York State. Both the conversation and wine flowed freely as we met both old and new friends. It really is amazing this fraternity of the kilted. After a while it was decided that we should make our way to Foster's Inn. There the merriment continued until a stool fell over on top of my ill chosen footwear, yes I was wearing Ghillie Brogues, as the pain subsided I was finally able to enjoy the rest of the evening.

We decided after the trip up that a trip back that evening was ill advised and so we booked rooms in the Foster's Inn. In the morning it was back to R-Kilts HQ to bid our gracious host adieu. Then it was a hearty breakfast at the York Street Kitchen and the drive home, the roads were mercifully much better than they had been the day before and the trip home was both enjoyable and uneventful.

Thank you Robert for a wonderful evening, both Linda and myself had a great time, again a heartfelt congratulations on your Grand Opening, I wish you continued success. Here are some of the photos I have from the weekend.

Inside the store, no room to move with all these kilties.




Ready to sign the book


My entry


The Good Ship Saltire and friends


David getting some well deserved refreshment


Uncle Ricky and Wompet


While I do not remember his name I did like this gent's ensemble


Rick


David going in after the group shot


More to come

[McMurdo]

The X-Markers with the Saltire


A close up just for Jamie, notice the SOKS addition, as Grant was not there to add it himself Robert did the honours


More inside the Fosters


David and I outside the Inn, me showing the kilt wearers tan


Just to give an idea of the conditions we had




While Linda does not like having her picture taken she did pose with David, having said that I thought the way the snow fell was quite funny


Foster's Inn


David enjoying another Gunniess


David and I back inside the Foster's Inn



More to come

[McMurdo]

This was on the third floor of the Inn, I thought it was quite charming.


In the morning on the way back to R-Kilts HQ






The car before getting rid of the snow


Well that is it for me, it was a wonderful evening with friends and I was glad I could join Robert in celebrating his Grand Opening, I only wish I had been able to be there for more of the virtual guests. Congratulations again Robert.

[Panache]

Wonderful photos Glen!

Cheers

Jamie

[Canuck]

While I do not remember his name I did like this gent's ensemble

The gent's name is David Prosser, an accomplished author who also resides in Inverurie, Scotland. He's talking with my animated wife Eileen

The locals have been stopping by today and telling me they had a great time. Thanks for joining Glen

[Hendry]

Good times, glad I could be there
Cheers
Dave

[Wompet]

The gent's name is David Prosser, an accomplished author who also resides in Inverurie, Scotland. He's talking with my animated wife Eileen

I couldn't remember his name either, but I can tell you that's a MacBean tartan he's wearing.


(Okay, I know that because he told me.)