My first kilt, a 16oz McCallum 'Red Line' tartan, was hand tailored for me by Arthur Mackie of Strathmore Woollen Co. in Forfar, Angus. It took many weeks because the tartan had to be specially woven as it is not kept in stock. I lived in Brechin at the time, about 6 miles north of Forfar (now living in San Antonio). Arthur and his daughter Maureen, the shop manageress, were fastidious in their tailoring and construction. It was a beautiful piece of work, with razor-sharp pleats and a perfect drape. So heavy it must have been at least 12 yards, maybe more? The three straps were fine, thick leather.

The McCallum 'Red Line' tartan is a slightly weathered McCallum over laid with a fine red stripe at about 4-inch separation. Very distinctive.