Edinburgh Kilt Walk 2008

**cessna152towser** · 23rd August 08, 01:20 PM

Scocha were again the headline band at the Edinburgh Kilt Walk.

One of the supporting bands was the Edinburgh Postal Pipe Band

On my previous visits to Edinburgh there has usually been a piper at the corner of Princes Street and Waverley Bridge near the Scott Monument. Our political masters and tourism bosses seem to want to bin the tartan and shortbread image of Scotland so I suppose I should not have been surprised to find that at the peak tourist season, Edinburgh Festival time, the piper has been banished in favour of a different kind of music. No criticism of this group of musicians, but would the Japanese and American tourists who have spent their hard earned money coming to Scotland not have preferred the swing of the kilt and the skirl of the pipes?

Princes Street Gardens was hoaching, with an open air cafe and carousel and other entertainments. St. Cuthbert's church at the west end of the gardens is in the background.

There were far fewer men in kilts taking part this year. I do not know whether this was due to the change of date or due to Sporranclan, who gave this event a lot of publicity, being offline recently. So it was hardly surprising that by the time I got to Johnston Terrace there was not another kiltie in sight. Here your roving reporter is caught in a series of shots by one of the trouser clad ladies.

More to follow shortly.

**cessna152towser** · 23rd August 08, 01:34 PM

Spotted another kiltie at the top of Johnston Terrace, and a lady walker in a long tartan dress.

Because of the festival and tattoo, the gate from the Castle Esplanade onto Princes Street Gardens was blocked off so this was as far up the Royal Mile as the walk was able to go this year. The view of the castle was blocked by this tacky banner. As if in protest, an impromptu pavement performance of Braveheart is taking place.

I spotted this classic French Citroen 2CV at the same time as I spotted another kilted walker, in background, pushing pram.

Kilts were few and far between so it was a relief to meet these two stewards at The Mound who confirmed I was still walking the correct route.

Also two stewardesses back in the park.

Plenty o' lassies in kilts doing the walk, here is yin with twa youngsters.

Anither twa kilted lassies.

A determined stride.

Colour co-ordination of hair and kilt.

Really hen, dae I really look that stupit that ye need to be doubled up wi' laughter?
One more batch to follow shortly.

**cessna152towser** · 23rd August 08, 01:55 PM

A bonnie lassie in a leather kilt

A view of the pleats

Waiting for Scocha to play again.

A McClef lookalike listening to Scocha!

Kilted backsides.

Twa kilted hikers.

Edinburgh Postal Pipe Band

Ian Chapman and Ian Scott of Scocha gie it some wellie.

Stopped at traffic lights at Haddington on my way to cover the day's other kilted event, the Pipe Band Competition at Melrose, I observed that the Laird of Lochaber has opened a pub!!

**Sheep In Wolf's Clothing** · 23rd August 08, 03:40 PM

Those are great pictures Alex!! Thanks. I really liked Scocha when I saw them this summer. I might have to buy their new CD.
Congratulations for completing the walk for such a great cause.
Sara

**Hamish** · 23rd August 08, 05:55 PM

A fine set of photos there, Alex, but what a shame that there were so few kilties taking part this year. The Rock Trust, the organisers of The Kilt Walk, send me full details every year but, sadly, I have not been able to get to the event yet!

Scocha are great favourites of mine and I have all their CDs. I have been hoping that they would play a gig down this way but Ian Chapman told me they have only been as close to Storrington as London (for a private corporate event) - once!

Drat! My little secret - the pub - is now out! I was hoping to keep that quiet for fear that the Taxman would get wind of my connection. Oh well, maybe I should have named it something else: Bicknell's Bar, Kollection's, The Saucy Sporran or The Legend's Lounge perhaps!

Take care,
Ham.

**Jock Scot** · 23rd August 08, 08:24 PM

Thanks Alex, for the great pictures.

**highlander_Daz** · 24th August 08, 02:26 AM

This delightful lady is Louise MArshall Millington one of Scotlands finest lady pipers, a delight on both the eyes and ears!!
heres louise's website

http://www.vippiper.com/