New Kilt from Carse of Gowrie

**An t-Ileach** · 14th September 05, 04:35 PM

On Ranald's recommendation, I went to the Carse of Gowrie pages on eBay (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/CARSE-OF-G...sQ3amesstQQtZkm) and bought a cheapo kilt in MacDonald tartan (to keep the family and ancestors happy) for knocking about the workshop and stuff. This was on Friday last week - the kilt turned up yesterday morning very early. I've been wearing it in ever since. Here I am in it making breakfast for my wife, younger daughter and myself:

And about half-an-hour later when we were about to set off to get some urgent shopping done:

**Riverkilt** · 14th September 05, 05:46 PM

So cousin,

Did you get your money's worth?

Got a Macdonald SportKilt, same tartan, and wanna do better.

Thanks for any feedback.

Ron

**Bil** · 14th September 05, 06:06 PM

Yes, please do tell us what your thoughts are on the craftsmanship. The image on E-bay suggests it is box-pleated? It's not easy to make out but that is what the picture suggests. Is it indeed box pleated?

**Alan H** · 14th September 05, 06:41 PM

I, too am very curious about this, as I've looked through their ebay store many times, and been tempted. They seem "a cut above", but of course you don't know until you actually buy something.

**GMan** · 14th September 05, 10:50 PM

David,

That looks pretty sharp! I too want to know about your thoughts on it.

BTW what was for breakfast?

**clancelt** · 15th September 05, 04:35 AM

I would also like to hear a review. There was some talk on another board about it being a "Wool blend w/mixed fibres" and the overall feel I got was they thought it cost a bit much.

Now on the other hand, I bought a pair of flashes from them and was very pleased. In fact, they are the nicest tartan flashes I own. If they too are a "Wool blend" they are pretty darn good because you would be hard pressed to tell that they are not 100% wool.

I was very curious if their kilts were of the same quality. I think the one I looked at was about $240. So about half the price of an ok wool one. I was thinking of getting one to compete in but didn't want to be the first guinea pig.

**Cawdorian** · 15th September 05, 05:18 AM

Took a look at the website, looks like they a lot of nice accessories like flashes. Noticed they have flashes that match my kilt, Hmmm wonder if I need those?

Jim

**macwilkin** · 15th September 05, 05:27 AM

David,

You look like Monarch's Golly Mackenzie in that second photo -- that is the epitome of a "country gent"! :mrgreen:

Is that a fishing or "safari" type vest?

Cheers,

Todd

**An t-Ileach** · 15th September 05, 09:59 AM

OK, replies and feedback after three days of wear in and out of the workshop.

The sale price was £29.99p (c. US$56), and plus postage that came to about £36 (c. US$68 within the UK - on a "buy now". I think that CofG carries a stock of these things - anyway they were very prompt about despatching it.

It's description is 100% wool worsted in 11 oz - that feels right. It has a traditional look about it. It has a hem not a kilt selvage at the bottom, and the pleats are about 2 inches deep - knife pleats, not box (ref Bil). It has one strap and buckle fitting at each side about 1 1/2 inches from the waist band, and two belt loops at the back (each about 2 1/2 inches long) starting about 3/4 inch from the top hem. With such shallow pleats, it feels a bit "skirty" (Hamish's term). However, for what I wanted it for, it seems quite satisfactory and looks OK - only favourable comments, so far, from the ladies of the family, and also random women in the street.

So, cousin Riverkilt, I suppose I have got my money's worth.

GMan - breakfast was nothing very imaginative, tea and toast (as we usually have).

Cajunscot - I'm not very sure what type of vest it is. I bought it in a horsey/gun shop in Hereford. It doesn't look like it was meant for fishing, so I suppose it's a safari type. It's got biggish side pockets for fists full of cartridges and a longish top pocket for (I presume) a cleaning kit. But it doesn't have the usual reinforcings at the shoulder for the gun butt. I suppose it must be a general purpose vest.

If I have any further feedback after a few more days' wear, I'll let you all know.:-D

**macwilkin** · 15th September 05, 10:15 AM

Cajunscot - I'm not very sure what type of vest it is. I bought it in a horsey/gun shop in Hereford. It doesn't look like it was meant for fishing, so I suppose it's a safari type. It's got biggish side pockets for fists full of cartridges and a longish top pocket for (I presume) a cleaning kit. But it doesn't have the usual reinforcings at the shoulder for the gun butt. I suppose it must be a general purpose vest.

Ah, the magic words that go so well together -- "horsey/gun shop"! ;) I really like that vest -- musn't buy one, musn't buy one...

T.