Change of attitude?

[James MacMillan]

A few weeks ago I was asked to be a presenter at an upcoming awards banquet. I quickly accepted, as I had received the same award several years ago and I was free that night. It is black tie and I was looking forward to the evening.

Then the wife of the event chairman called and left a message to say that I couldn't wear a kilt. Not the chairman, but his wife. This is the first time that I have received strong negative feelings towards the kilt, and I was surprised. I called back and she answered the phone, but after identifying myself, I only asked to speak to her husband. She said that he wasn't there, and offered to take a message. I hesitated, and then told her to tell her husband that I would be unable to attend and asked that her husband call back.

The next day he calls back and seemed genuinely sad that I couldn’t attend, and when he asked why I couldn’t make it, I told him that it was because they didn’t want me to wear the kilt.

He asked who told me that, and I said his wife…. Now he was quiet for a bit and told me that I definitely could wear the kilt, and that he thought I always looked good, and that he didn’t think the kilt would be out of place, and that he was thinking of getting a kilt himself, but couldn’t convince himself to spend the big bucks.

We talked about kilts for a while, I passed on info on kilt sources, costs, etc, and he was surprised that it didn’t have to cost that much. Then he dropped the big bombshell and told me that he would also have to convince his wife, as she didn’t like the kilt.

OK, I think, now we are getting to the meat of the matter. After much more conversation, it turns out that his wife thinks I am a bad influence….. at least when it comes to kilts… (Who? Me? ) He apologizes for the phone message from his wife, and we end the conversation on a good note.

Well yesterday I return to the house to another message from his wife – but she only asks that I call. I just did, and it was like talking to another person… No mention of not wearing the kilt…many questions about tartan, kilt accessories, tradition and more. I now have a lunch date to discuss kilts.

I plan to go armed to the teeth! Scottish books, lap-top with loads of .jpg’s and everything that I can think of – Oh, and I plan wearing a really nice tank (maybe the Hudson Bay) and tweed coat and tie.

Now we’ll see what happens….. I’ll keep you informed.

[Panache]

Go forth and spread the word!

Cheers

Jamie

[James MacMillan]

I guess I should also mention that the last name of the event chairman is about as scottish as, well say Bruce, or MacGregor, or Macleod, or Campbell... by last name alone (which proves nothing, of course) he's Scottish. It's not Mac XXX, but it sure hails from the highland!

[Finn]

Go get her, Gunny!
Bring another into the kilted ranks!

[Macman]

Wow, for her to phone and tell you what you can wear or not! I give her credit for the change of attitude, though. Good for you for sticking to your principles!

[thescot]

Good for you, top. Keep your powder dry, your head down, and your back to the wall.

I smell an ambush!

[McMurdo]

Sounds good I'm sure you will do an admirable job in the education dept. Good for you.

[kiltedinUSMC]

Only You Jay would go armed with a powerpoint on Kilts. I wish you best of luck and maybe she will think of kiltwearing in a new light.

[Ancienne Alliance]

Very impressive story !

But what a strange situation though. I would'nt trust such a fast change of attitude (very sassenach like *did I say that ?*).

You are doing well to go armed ! I also smell an ambush.

[Retro Red]

Sounds like the wife is afraid her husband will get wrapped up in kilts...

...get it, "wrapped" up in kilts... oh, sorry... um, carry on...

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