I would like to introduce myself, finally...

[Akilter]

Hello Everyone,

I would like to formally and finally introduce myself to the great "Rabble" of the X-marks. I actually joined the forum several years ago and have checked in from time to time, but never fully engaged until recently. as it turns out, that may have been an expensive decision on my part, but a happy one, none the less.

My name is Dave Scott (Akilter) and I reside in the Seattle area with my wife and our daughter, and as many of you here on the X-marks forum, I too am a son of a son of Scotland. My family emigrated from the Borders and settled close to Louisville, Ky. where I was born. I am also a former U.S. Marine (Semper Fi to all my brothers in arms). As a member of the Scots diaspora, I hold dearly to my Scottish heritage and although Scotland is not where I was born, it is without a doubt a place to which I have a significant emotional attachment. I go "Home" to the U.K. with my family whenever it's possible and I have spent time in both the Lowlands and the Highlands.

As Presbyterian Borderers, I am assuming that none of my immediate family ever dreamed of wearing the Kilt, or Traditional Highland Dress (at least as far as i know, except Sir Walter) until I came along. So here is briefly how my Kilting happened: My youngest sister (known as "Thistle Dubh" here on the forum) decided she wanted to celebrate her marriage with the now familiar "Scottish" theme. As a master in the textile arts, she made the kilts for her wedding party, including my first Kilt 20 years ago. After discovering what an incredible garment it is, I have worn it regulaly since then. Until recently it has been my only Kilt and it is still a terrific garment. For all these years I haven't felt the "Jonesing" need for another. At least not until I reconnected with the X-marks forum and realized that as beautiful as it may be in Scott Modern green and pleated to the white stripe, it is a bright and flashy formal Kilt and I found I was reluctant to wear it on just any occasion. I "needed" a Kilt that was more subtle and versatile for every day wear. You see, I had finally experienced first hand the Need vs Want argument in clothing and need won the day.

My sister was too busy to help me in my need and that's when I contacted the remarkable Barbara Tewksbury. I have just recently I received from her, the most beautiful Kilt that she has created in Scott Weathered Green. (See her post:http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=83779) Her talents are exceptional. It is absolutely flawless and fits like no garment I have ever experienced. It truly is that wonderful. I will be posting more about it soon as I'm sure by now she is wondering what happened to me. The photos are on my other computer and honestly I am never comfortable with posting pictures of myself... (I'll get over it soon I'm sure now that I'm here)

So, that's a wee bit about me. I respect the rights of others to wear whatever they wish, whenever they wish. However, having learned much from many of you here, I am most decidedly conservative in my views of Traditional Civilian Highland Dress (emphasis on traditional) and consider less to be more. Tweed and Tartan are part of my DNA.

Regards to all of you and I'm glad to have finally joined in,

-Dave