Have been exchanging emails with my kiltmaker Kathy Lare. She asked me to post/gave permission to post her experience with the Master Kiltmaker designation.

"According to Master Kiltmaker Rob McBain, there were only two true Master Kiltmakers left in Scotland, himself and the kilmaker for the Black Watch. His goal was to get the term 'Master Kiltmaker' made official so it could not be used by anyone claiming training. He was not successful in doing that and left the school [Keith Kilt School] while trying to develop a Master Kiltmaker course. McBain explained that a true Master Kiltmaker entailed a tailor who could make all aspects of the military uniform, including trews and could sew a kilt in 8 hours. They had to develop their own patterns. I was shown his pattern book at the school and was amazed at the patterns he had to make.

I have first hand experience at being denied entry to the school [Keith Kilt School] during this time for a third course with the explanation that foreigners were no longer being allowed at the school due to funding issues. I haven't seen Linda Gorn as being that supportive of the kiltmakers from the school. Our beloved supporters were David Skyes (who passed away of a heart attack while in Canada on his way to have lunch with kiltmaker Gail Burfoot) and Robert Stewart. When David died everything changed. After his passing Linda Gorn conducted an investigation of the kilt school. She called me for proof I'd attended the school and questioned my awards which were given when the school was run by the Scottish Tartans Authority. Needless to say I have no use for politics it's so destructive!

I think we Americans need to humble ourselves and stop thinking we are experts in everything. I heard a lot of negative comments about this when I attended the school and lived there. I like the cooperative efforts of the kiltmakers I've gotten to know at the school in an atmosphere of helping each other. Perhaps we should all strive for that!"