New member, with a new (old) kilt

**mayberry** · 2nd January 09, 07:38 PM

I signed on here a short while ago, as part of my search for a kilt. I've worn one quite a few times in my life, always borrowed from one friend or other. Well, an old friend of mine, originally from Glasgow, told me she had an old kilt that had belonged to an uncle or brother, and no one in the family needed/wanted it. It was mine for the taking, but since she lives in a different city, it would be a while before I could check it out. I kept looking on ebay, Craigslist, Kijiji, the For Sale forum here, etc., not daring to assume that the kilt she was going to give me would fit.

December 29 I picked it up. It is gorgeous! It turns out to be a Heavyweight (18 oz.? I don't yet know how to tell the weight, exactly), military kilt, in the Murray of Athol tartan (aka Atholl Highlanders). It fits me, though very high and snug, as I understand is the intent. Knife pleats, very deep, pleated to the red stripe. It has only two straps, wider than the modern style, of brown leather. I couldn't be happier. I've got a tweed kilt jacket (from ebay) coming in the mail, and I'm stalking the wild sporran.

The kilt itself is, however, a large warm beast, and I can see the need for a lighter kilt in warmer weather, or for dancing (especially for dancing in warm weather).
I will post pictures when I can.
Cheers.