Being a Sherlockian, (yes we do exist) I might be able to clear up (or maybe not) the use of the phrase. The phrase "The game is afoot" comes from Shakespeare's plays Henry IV Act 1 Scene 3 line 276 and it is also found in The life of Henry the Fifth Act III Scene 1 line 32. I can't remember the exact quote but it is a hunting reference "Set the hounds to the quarry the game is afoot!" Holmes used the line in the story "The Adventure of the Abbey Grange".

Sadly there are no kilts featured in the Sherlock Holmes stories, but there are a few Scots (not to mention thier author) in the stories, including the long suffering Mrs.Hudson! As well, it never mentions that Holmes wore a deerstalker cap or an Inverness cape, these were added to the character by artist Sidney Paget.

Sara
Who's books about Scottish history are only out numbered by her books about Mr.Sherlock Holmes