Gaelic translation needed-tat advice as well

[berserkbishop]

The newest thing on my mind this week is that I am considering getting a tattoo in celebration of my graduation from school next week. So far I am doing very well and would like to treat myself with something nice that will last.

I am having trouble deciding what to get, but on the top of my list is a Lion Rampant. I plan to have the Lion in front of a Saltier with a banner wrapping around the legs of the "X"

I think I would like to have the banner read "Scottish Blood, American Heart" but am having trouble finding a Scots Gaelic translation. Any help would be appreciated.

I would also like some other ideas for the wording on the banner.

I considered getting my clan crest, but Cunningham crest has a unicorn as a predominant feature. I really dont feel like catching hell for it the rest of my Navy career.

I cant remember who's tat it was, but a member posted a pic of a buckler with a sword and thistle crossed behind it. On the buckler was his clan tartan. It was one I really liked. I wish I could think of a good way to honor my Cunningham heritage in a similar way.

Any input or ideas are welcome, and appreciated!

Regards
Bishop

[ccga3359]

Well if it's new on your mind, then don't. They tend to last a long, long while. However it would appear that you have given it thought. Get what you really want , if a unicorn is a part of your clan crest then it's what it means to you, don't give a toss what others might think., those idiots are just not that important. Those that matter will understand and respect it. Take your time, draw out your ideas or get an artistic friend to do it. It appears that the US Navy has relaxed tattoo policy slightly. And never, ever get a girls name tattooed!!!

[thescot]

By all means take your time to decide whether and if. If you take a year to decide, that's a lot shorter time than the rest of your life, and that's how long a tat lasts!

I was out with a bunch of Marines one time just outside Little Creek at Norfolk. After an evening of libation and general good cameraderie with my boon companions, we decided to get tatooed. (There are always tat parlors near military bases.) We wanted one of those with the bulldog wearing the Smokie the Bear hat.

While my friend was getting his done, I watched and began to regain a measure of sobriety which was thereunto not known, and I decided that a tat was not such a good idea afterall.

There's a point to that and a moral to the story which I leave it to you figure out.

One bit of advice: take a long time to decide and make sure you want that thing on you forever. And if you get one, don't overdo.

Congratulations on your graduation.

[McMurdo]

I thought about my first tattoo for 10 years before getting it, I'm sure I did not over think. If this has been in your mind for a week I'd say think on it for another 9 years 51 weeks. Best of luck.

[thescot]

I was just thinking. For the price of a really nice tat, you could buy a really nice sporran.

[WClarkB]

I am NON-tattoo'd and think them a modern and decadant fad; that being said, a tattoo'd good friend of mine suggested that anyone who wants a tattoo, get the flash as a temp and wear it for a year and then decide

[piperdbh]

I know a young man whose teenage nephews think his tattoos are really cool. His advice to them: wait 'til you're 25. If they can live without them 'til then, chances are they can live without them the rest of their lives. If, when they're 25, they still want the tattoos, then get them. I think the above advice is sound.
Sorry, I can't help you with the Gaelic.

[Heming]

I was just thinking. For the price of a really nice tat, you could buy a really nice sporran.

At least where I sit, the price of a really nice tattoo will buy you a really nice kilt. A hand-sewn, 8yd, 18oz custom weave kind of very nice kilt.

[berserkbishop]

I appreciate your inputs, I really do. I am a grown man and can make the decisions on whether or not this is something I really want on my own. I asked for advice on the Tattoo, as in design, translation, etc. Im not going to run out and get one next week. I plan on saving some of the bonus I earn for graduating and doing it down the road.

As for tattoos being a fad, im curious how long fads usually last. The Navy has a glorious history of tattoos running back many years.

So please no more input on "you should wait until your 25, or you need to think this through." I understand all that. I just wanted some ideas on what to get. . . .

[Kilted Rogue]

Bishop,
what about a Targe with the Cunningham motto around it, and the Lion in the middle?

Just a thought.

Congrats one Grad day. when your family has left we need to have you over one night.
let me know what your calender looks like