Of course, I have no idea what Jack McConnell actually said to the Press that evening, but he certainly did not say that to the assembled guests, of which I was one, at the TFCK opening. He did, however, apologise to us for not wearing the kilt!
Much as I appreciate The Scotsman newspaper, I have to say that report overall does not represent anything of the occasion. In fact, it is a misrepresentation. It was obviously written as a 'take' against Mr. McConnell because, politically, the paper and he are poles apart.
I enjoyed a long conversation with The First Minister that evening. He struck me as being a first-rate chap in spite of us also being poles apart politically - but then I am not out to ridicule him!
As for the fuss concerning his appearance at the "Dressed to Kilt" Tartan Day fashion show in NYC last year: What is never stated is the fact that his own tartan kilt had been left behind in Scotland and, at the very last minute, he had to borrow one from Howie who was organising the fashion show. The only spare kilt that would fit him was Howie's own grey pinstripe kilt, which certainly did not work visually with the Jacobite shirt! I believe Jack's feeling was that he HAD to appear in a kilt that evening, come what may, and the resulting "faux pas" was the best that could be done in a very short time.
I rest my case, m'lud.
Take care,
Ham.
(PS: Never believe what you read in the newspapers - I don't
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