I had only 24 hours in this wonderful town unfortunately, not going far beyond the Royal mile and parts of New Town.

During this time, I saw just two kilts on the streets, one worn casually by a young man, the other carried over a fellow's arm. I discount the kilts worn in the course of duty by the mlilitary or hotel doormen, of course.

Visited Geoffrey Tailor's shops, both the small one down the hill, and the vast warehouse close by the castle, originally the town water cistern, apparently, with everything kilt/tartan related imaginable. Touristy, perhaps, but fascinating to see so many tartans, and, down in the basement, tartans being woven before ones very eyes.

In another shop, I was very nearly tempted into buying a splendid black kilt with just a hint of coloured lines in it: looked very good quality heavy-weight, reduced to £99 !!! But since I never wear black, it had to stay in the shop.

There were reduced prices in most of the shops. Are there too many kiltmakers/vendors around? Or not enough customers? Looks as if this is the time to go buying. And I'm not talking about the tatty synthetic stuff.

Gold Brothers' shops all over town, no need to go in the gawdy ones, but some of them still bear previous owner/kiltmaker names, look a bit old-fashioned and sell good stuff.

Apart from socks,I came home empty-handed; I had been pining for an Isle of Skye, but, having seen it in the flesh, I found it a bit duller than in the photos. and did not manage to see cloth in any other colours I would like to have.

Nearly bought a belt buckle (wonderful variety in some of the shops) but the salesman was unable to tell me how to fix it to a belt, so left it.

The wind was terrible, and for the first time, I found myself hanging on to my kilt to keep it from flying in my face.

No photos, as I slipped on a step and flung the newly bought camera to the floor, ruining the lens!

Martin