Having worked in uncertified/unlicensed industries (hearing aid sales, massage therapy, and counseling) and being in those industries as certification/licensure were adopted for the protection of the consumer, I do have respect for credentials of certification - even non-governmental ones.

I'm guessing Barb is talking about my chosen kiltmaker - Kathy Lare - since she is certified in Scotland by the Keith School of Kiltmaking, back in 1997.

This article about her two years ago sheds some light

http://albuquerque.bizjournals.com/b...html?id=993283


Myself, I am most impressed by her certification. As a consumer it puts me at ease, as does the quality craftsmanship in each of the five hand sewn kilts I've purchased from her.

No doubt I could have had similar fine results from another hand sewn kiltmaker...just up front, as a new consumer, this credential was something to hang my hat on that first time out spending $500 in hard earned cash.

And, on another note, one of the joys of this board has been the genial relations between kiltmakers. Hopefully that will persevere.

I am highly credentialed myself in my own field and display them proudly. They were hard won and expensive and serve as a reassurance to the public who are meeting me for the first time seeking my services.

Ron