stuck choosing a tartan

[Tarheel]

Well met Sean. What are the other kilts you have? Is there a scheme of colors that you prefer? If so, go with the tones that you would readily pick to wear.
If you want the "odd and outstanding" kilt for special occasions, chose the ancient Wilson to honor the earliest of your clan tartan.
Another thought would be, have your new wife pick what she would like to see wear in the Wilson selections.

[YOJiMBO20]

Personally, I'm a fan of the "ancient" colours, and the Wilson is a less common tartan - at least in my experience - so I would go with the Wilson Ancient. That way you'd be wearing your name, but still part of the clan!

[room2ndfloor]

Just my preference: I love the Wilson ancient. Not many tartans have this burnt-orange color, and this combination is muted so you'd still have a good choice of kilt hose to go with it.

[ShaunMaxwell]

Personally, were I a Wilson, I'd stick with the Wilson tartan. Of the options, I much prefer the ancient colors.

Cheers,

SM

[kiltedtom]

Sean,

Indeed some, like me, will tell you to wear whichever you like. I recently discovered that I have some Scottish ancestors on my father's side, though I do not know which clan and his namesake is from Wales. My maternal great- grandmother was a Graham. I have blood cousins who are McKenzies, and another married a Ramsey. I like all three of the tartans that I know. But now I am wearing a universal tartan, Celtic Nations from USAKilts. (And I love it!)

As you have a Scottish surname, and your clan is associated with the Gunn clan, and you have permission to wear the Gunn tartan, go now with whichever you like. And eventually get them all! Personally I love the Gunn modern, and Wilson ancient comes in second for me.

By the way, welcome to the great rabble from Central Indiana. And, more importantly, congratulations to you and your wife on your recent wedding. I hope you both have many, many happy years ahead of you.

In the mean time, happy holidays to you both.

Tom

[Blupiper]

Welcome, Sean. As another familial Wilson, I went through the same choice questions you have. I have a Gunn modern heavyweight, simply because I liked the tartan the best of all the choices--although that Gunn weathered is moving up in my opinion. I also have two district tartan middleweights which connect through other family opportunities. I say the same as everyone else: If you're going to lay out a significant amount of cash for a heavyweight kilt, go for what you like. Not even necessarily Gunn or Wilson in all their permutations. You will be the one who wears it (proudly, of course) and you will need to love it (the tartan) from the get-go. There's my two cents. Good luck.

JMB

PS-from your photo in the initial post--I have the same outfit! Minus the lovely bride, of course.

[Sean Wilson]

Well met Sean. What are the other kilts you have? Is there a scheme of colors that you prefer? If so, go with the tones that you would readily pick to wear.
If you want the "odd and outstanding" kilt for special occasions, chose the ancient Wilson to honor the earliest of your clan tartan.
Another thought would be, have your new wife pick what she would like to see wear in the Wilson selections.

Thanks for the reply... I like all the colours apart from the weathered/hunting style tartans. I have to admit the colours in the Ancient Wilson (especially the orangey tint) is unusual. I'm not sure if it's too bright but my wife likes this one the best.

[Jock Scot]

I note that you come from the UK and live in the UK which does have a certain relevance to what you might decide. As I understand it your surname is Wilson and generally speaking it would be expected that you would wear a Wilson tartan, particularly in the UK. You need to be aware that those from outwith these shores, particularly from the US are not necessarily too bothered which tartan they wear, there are notable exceptions though, whereas in the UK these matters are thought of rather more seriously.

Just saying.

[RectaPete]

from another Yorkshire kiltie! My surname, Fletcher, is a sept of McGregor as well as a clan in its own right. While I'm not an "official" McGregor yet, I'm still proud of my clan and if Fletcher tartan is not avaliable in a certain product I plump for McGregor. One day I'd love to own a wool kilt in the Fletcher tartan and it's on my bucket list. I think you should wear your Gunn with pride while saving up for a wool Wilson (I like the modern tartan myself).

[sailortats]

[QUOTE but my wife likes this one the best.[/QUOTE]

Then I would say your problem is solved. It's no longer your choice.