Sitting musing, thinking about tartan, looking at the amazing design of my Buchanan, Old Sett, weathered, wondering: what is it about tartan? Why do you love it so? Is it the feel? The look? The intricacy of pattern? The smell of the wool? Not sure really.

Goes back to 1976 for me, the year we were married. I wore the traditional suit (big lapels, fish tail tie), Jane the usual white dress. But our "going away" kit was tartan. The Edinburgh Woollen Mills had recently started selling Scottiish stuff all over England. Jane had a skirt and I had a tie in Black Watch. Why? Because we liked the colours.

Then holidays in Scotland . . . Glasgow, Dumfries, north east coast, Edinburgh, Islay (favourite place), touring the Western Isles . . . always looking longingly at the beauty of the tartan. Loving the look of the kilt. Wanted to be Scottish, but knew I wasn't. Nearest was MacGibbon (Buchanan sept) . . .

Then discovered Northumberland tartan, then Fitzgerald, then back to Buchanan . . . by then there seemed to be something of a kilt renaissance, spreading out to those without direct Scottish descent but who wanted to honour the tradition. Took the plunge and loved it.

Now, three kilts later, and one on the way. The same fascination. A growing appreciation.

Re-reading this, far too romantic . . . but oh, well . . . I'll send it anyway.