Burns Night 2008 - Murphy, NC

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 26th January 08, 06:59 AM

Last night my wife and I attended the Burns Supper in Murphy, NC, hosted by the people who put on the Appalachian Highland Games. It was a lovely event, and I thought I'd share a few photos.

Here I am with friends Henry and Rebecca Scott. They own Purple Heather Pottery. We carry their products in our museum gift shop. They make hand thrrown pottery items featuring clan crests, thistles, and other celtic motifs. Very nice stuff! Rebecca is holding my youngest son, Alister. (Whom we learned during the evening does NOT like bagpipes -- boy is he in the wrong family!)

Here I am, posing for my wife. She was taking a close-up of my kilt hose. She's been working for the past month knitting these for me, and just finished them yesterday morning. The company who made the yarn is holding an on-line contest where you enter a photo of an item you made from their yarn, and the winner gets -- more yarn! If she decides to enter, I'll be sure to post the link here so everyone can vote for her!

I'm wearing the Highland Granite tartan (Lochcarron, 16 oz) in a 6 yard knife pleated kilt I made. The sporran is skunk-fur, from the Ferguson Britt collection. It's actually not mine, but I borrowed it from our gift shop inventory to complete my "black and white" look for the night! (So if you like it, it's for sale!)

It was a very fun evening -- I was invited to give the Immortal Memory speech. I'm going to be giving the same speech at a Burns Supper tonight, in Franklin, NC, hosted by the Friends of the Scottish Tartans Museum. I'll post pictures from that event, as well.

I'll probably later on do a blog post with more pics and a more detailed account of both Burns Suppers, but until then, I had to post these quick pics (to show off both my baby -- who was well behaved the whole evening -- and my wife's handiwork!)

**Rex_Tremende** · 26th January 08, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

The sporran is skunk-fur, from the Ferguson Britt collection. It's actually not mine, but I borrowed it from our gift shop inventory to complete my "black and white" look for the night! (So if you like it, it's for sale!)

Being used (and we have the photographic proof), of course we will demand a huge discount!

You look smashing, as usual. Looks like a good time was had by all (or most, pipes notwithstanding).

Regards,
Rex.

**McMurdo** · 26th January 08, 07:55 AM

Excellent couple of pictures Matt, I will await your blog post, glad everyone a great night.

**Panache** · 26th January 08, 07:57 AM

You look great Matt (then agian we expect no less of you).

My complements to your good wife because those kilt hose are absolutely fantastic!

Now put that sporran back you man!

Cheers

Jamie

**JRB** · 26th January 08, 08:04 AM

Great pics, Matt. The hose are amazing! Your wife has some serious talent. I guess it runs in the family. By the way, I suspect that bagpipes are an acquired taste.

**turpin** · 26th January 08, 08:52 AM

A very striking outfit, Matt. Kiltos to your wife for an excellent idea excellently executed.

**thescot** · 26th January 08, 08:56 AM

Boy, wish I could go to a Burns Supper with Santa Claus. That ought to put you on a good footing for next year.

All kidding aside, you look as good as we have come to expect. And tell your wife she can get all the business she wants right here on the X.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 26th January 08, 10:57 AM

Looks great Matt! I've been slobbering over those sporrans (not necessarily the skunk fur, but the lot of them) for months. So, I knew what it was as soon as the picture loaded. I thought "oh man, he bought another one!" lol. I'm looking forward to the rest of the promised pictures.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 26th January 08, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by Rex_Tremende

Being used (and we have the photographic proof), of course we will demand a huge discount!

I promise I kept a napkin in my lap the whole night! No whisky spilled on Pepe le Pew!

(He's not interested in drink, he has other vices to worry about...)

**Hamish** · 26th January 08, 11:16 AM

A superbly put-together and co-ordinated outfit there, Matt.

Absolutely stunningly crafted hose- please give my congratulations to your good-lady wife.

The sporran, no matter what 'second-hand' discount is offered (!), is safe. I am afraid those furry monsters are not my thing at all and would just not suit me. I must say, you carry it off very well though.

Take care,
Ham.