Kilted fortnight holiday in scotland & france

[Mael Coluim]

Posting this thread has instilled in my memory what an outstanding vacation this was. I am very grateful to those who had the vision for The Gathering and saw it through. If I had not heard Lord Jamie Sempill talk about it at the 2007 Grandfather Mountain Games, I would not had visited Scotland this summer.

This trip has only increased my desire to see more of Scotland and return as soon as I can. Of all the things I saw and did, what stand out most to me are the relationships I experienced. As you would expect my time with Redshanks, Ancienne Alliance and Lady Chrystel was exceptional in establishing bonds of friendship. My time in Edinburgh paling with the XMarks rabble experiencing the events of The Gathering made it more memorable esperience. As well as alot more fun!

Kilted Travel
You stand out in the crowd and people are drawn to you. In the airports, people sought me out going over and coming back from Scotland wanting to share or ask something relating to Scotland. I have made some new friends through those encounters. I had many requests to have their picture taken with me. Most of those came from Asian and Mid Eastern young people. Tourists in Scotland would ask me questions thinking I was local.

Being kilted posed no problems with airport security. I kept on my kilt pins, one of which is a real horse blanket pin and none caused a stir. My sgian dubh was left home. I traveled with four kilts. I had rolled kilts before in my travel bag, but this trip I followed Rocky’s advice in folding them. I found this the more preferable way. It’s quicker in getting them packed away and they folded out creaseless.

Being a advocate of wearing sock liners, I kept my hose in good condition with all the a walking I did. It’s easier to wash liners than hose. Bring yourself a pre-cut inner sole for your walking shoes. You will do more walking than you are accustom to and may need to replace it. I went about always with my raincoat and hat and was never bothered with the rain that I would encounter.

Travel Preparations
A local travel agent booked my flights and hotels. I was surprised haw much money he saved for me. I really wasn’t planning to use a travel agent, thinking I could get good deals myself with booking on line. Boy was I wrong. He was also quite helpful in getting information for me and making suggestions. (He knew Scotland.)

Before leaving home, call your credit and debit card companies and advise them you are traveling. If you don’t you may find yourself with suspended accounts because of your different spending patterns. I did. It took me 24 hours to get them re-opened.

Thanks to those of you with kind comments. If anyone would have any questions now or in the future please feel free to PM me. It was great having you along!