Of Irish Descent...Which tartan?

[macwilkin]

See this article on the Scottish Military Historical Society's web site about the Birkenhead Disaster:

http://www.btinternet.com/~james.mckay/ship1852.htm

It's really a shame that the Birkenhead hasn't gotten the publicity that RMS Titanic has gotten.

As far as Colin's question, I would recommend the three articles about Scottish Regiments in North America on the SMHS site:

http://www.btinternet.com/~james.mckay/naindex.htm

Cheers,

T.

[bubba]

It's really a shame that the Birkenhead hasn't gotten the publicity that RMS Titanic has gotten.

It seems to be a forgotten bit of history. It's where the tradition of women and children first originated, known traditionally as the Birkenhead Drill. For some time after when a ship was in danger officers simply announced "Birkenhead Drill".

[macwilkin]

Kipling even mentions it in one of his poems:

"To stand and be still, and do the Birkenhead Drill, is a damned tough bullet to chew."

Cheers,

T.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Avonlea22... sorry that I've been so busy not to respond to your question.

Since you're a WILSON and nobody has mentioned it, you're able to wear the GUNN tartan. If you're looking to stay with the roots AND wear a tartan that's outstanding, that's a GREAT way to go!

USAKilts has it... Bear has it... and it depends on the style that you're looking for. I can speak highly of both, and own multiples of both.

I just hope this is not too late for your decision process!

[macwilkin]

There is also a Wilson Tartan, but it is hard to find compared to the Gunn...

T.

[Avonlea22]

Avonlea22... sorry that I've been so busy not to respond to your question.

Since you're a WILSON and nobody has mentioned it, you're able to wear the GUNN tartan. If you're looking to stay with the roots AND wear a tartan that's outstanding, that's a GREAT way to go!

USAKilts has it... Bear has it... and it depends on the style that you're looking for. I can speak highly of both, and own multiples of both.

I just hope this is not too late for your decision process!

Ok, Jimmy...what qualifies me to wear the GUNN? It's not too late, by the way, and I do like that tartan. It's somewhat similar to the Stewart Hunting.

Turns out it may be several months before I get the kilt. My wife and I were discussing things this morning, and we really can't afford it financially right now. I just broke my wrist 2 weeks ago, and have no insurance, so that really set us back. Maybe for my birthday in March. I guess at this point it really will be a surprise.

[macwilkin]

Wilson is a surname associated with the Clan Gunn (what is sometimes mislabeled as a "sept" name, although Thompson's book explains that whole mess better than I could) -- although not all Wilsons are Gunns -- it is a very common name in Scotland.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules and "rights" (no matter what some Scottish-Americans may believe) to wear a tartan -- if you have the least connection, then wear it.

Cheers,

T.

[Avonlea22]

Sounds good enough to me. Thanks!

[Jimmy Carbomb]

My dilemma is finding a proper tartan. My family is Wilson. Sure, I'd like to find a family tartan, but with the price range I'm looking at (under $100.), I don't believe it possible.

Looks to me like you're set-up now.

Let's get the wrist healed, the funds in place, and the pleats on your ****!!!

Until then... keep posting! You're conversation is quite enjoyable.

[Avonlea22]

Looks to me like you're set-up now.

Let's get the wrist healed, the funds in place, and the pleats on your ****!!!

Until then... keep posting! You're conversation is quite enjoyable.

Thanks Jimmy. That was nice of you to say. I hope that I can contribute in a positive way to this forum. It's certainly filled with some seriously knowledgeable people.