Your Kilted Grandfathers (or Other Grandfather Influences)

[PatG]

My paternal grandmother initiated my interest in the Scots roots of the family. To be honest I think she really, really wanted to find a familial connection to the Stuarts. Looking at her large book of tartans is a very fond childhood memory. My grandfather worked his way up from the shipyard floor into becoming an engineer. He was very middle class and very conservative politically and socially, but he told me that you have to find out who you are and be that person with no compromises or apologies. Part of that for me is wearing a kilt.

[Micric]

I think this is a wondeful tribute to Granfathers in general.

My Paternal granfather was a Yorkshire farmer.
He always wore a tweed suit and a weskit..plus a tye even in sweltering weather.
He was very victorian in his mannerismes and a thorough gentleman.
Mind, if someone was a bloody fool, he was likely to tell them so!

Some of his sayings have stuck with me; (he died in 1970)

"When it's fair, take a coat.....When it's raining please yourself!"
"There's No such word as "Can't" !"
If when working on a project in the workshop, and he asked how it was going, and the reply was "It'll do" ,
He would take the piece of work and throw it under the bench in the scrap, and say, "There's no "It'll do's"....It's either Right or Wrong!"
No half measures with him.

[Pleater]

My father's maternal grandfather Wilson always advised carrying a small knife, a length of cord and a small amount of money, then you could cut, tie or buy.

I have often been able to take advantage of something I have come across due to taking this advice, secured a stray dog on a busy road and been able to return her to her owner safely, brought home things secured on the back of my bike or slung over my shoulder, cut up slow match for (English) Civil War artillery reenactors, made purchases having come across a bargain.

Don't Boy Scouts do something similar to 'be prepared'?

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[EagleJCS]

Don't Boy Scouts do something similar to 'be prepared'?

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

Indeed Anne! As an Eagle Scout (the Boy Scouts of America's top honor), I'm seldom without a pocket knife. (Except at work - we're not allowed sharp objects in the warehouse. We have to use 'safe' utility knives.) I am also seldom to be found without a little pocket change, a handkerchief and a belt.

The most important thing about 'Be Prepared' (the Scout Motto), though, is to know what to do with what you do have, and be ready to improvise the things you don't.

[Jack Daw]

My mother's father wore a suit every day well past his retirement. He even wore an old suit and a straw fedora to go fishing in the warmer climes. When I grouse about wearing a suit to work, I think of him, smile, and tighten my tie.

My father's father's father was born 100 years (to the year) before me and grew his moustache in 1900; so in 2000, I grew one in remembrance. I eventually shaved it off b/c I got tired of getting profiled at the airport for searches.

Neither grandfather wore the kilt, but my father's father was very proud of his Scottish heritage and used the clan crest on his stationery. My father's mother's parents were both from Scotland, and she was most proud as well.

[Bugbear]

Thanks for your replies; this has been an interesting thread.