My family connection is Foster which is a sept of Clan Douglas .... however they have their own kilt as well.

When searching both clans online, there did not seem to be much Forrester activity in my neck of the woods. There was Douglas though ... so when I happened to find myself with the opportunity to pick up a PV Douglas modern kilt for a reasonable price ... I did. I promptly went about kitting myself out properly and then took advantage of the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Festival being on the horizon. As luck would have it, my daughter was to compete in Irish step dancing and the Douglas Clan AGM was also occurring. Wooohooo!!! Met some very nice folks!!

Thus my first kilted excursion was launched. Had an absolute blast.

I'd like to invest in a bit better quality kilt. Since I'll probably not be accruing a vast fleet of kilts, I figured to take my time, ask some questions and really consider my options.

I have been looking at pictures, commentary on the forum and the website ..... and it seems that a New House kilt made with William Wilson and Sons of Bannockburn colors D.C. Daliesh tartan by Matt would be just the ticket.

So .... the next question would be 4yd box pleat or 6yd knife? It can get hot in Colorado in the summer (hate the heat) so the 4yd box has some allure ... plus it looks very smart and has history. The 6yd also looks quite nice and would seem closer to the current standard. Leaning slightly to the box pleat as it might be a bit more unique. Not quite there yet though.

The other question would be Forrester (I like the modern) or Douglas (I like the ancient)?

On the one hand, I have some strong memories of my Great Grandfather William Foster .... on the other hand the Clan Forrester tartan was designed in 1986 in a collaboration between Dr. Gordon Teall, president of the Scottish Tartans Society, and the Clan Forrester Society here in the USA.

So Great Gramps would never have worn that kilt. I believe he'd have worn the Douglas. When he passed his sister came to the US from Scotland and gave my sister a dress in the family tartan but that was long ago and it is long gone.

So there it is ..... box or knife pleat and Forrester or Douglas????

If anyone has wrestled with similar dilemmas .... I'd welcome their insight on how they valued the points of each side of the equation.

Thank you for reading the post.

Henry