I've been around here for quite some time and joined up a couple of months ago because I enjoyed reading the forum so much. I have made a few posts in that time, but have never really introduced myself properly.

I'm Dan, and I'm from south east Queensland in Australia. I've always been interested in both kilting and piping - but neither as a result of the other, strangely enough. I discovered XMTS long before I found a pipe teacher, but I think that my interests in both complement each other (and seem to worsen the disorders attached to each!).

My first kilt was a box pleat by John at Keltoi, in the MacDonald of Clanranald (muted) tartan. I still don't have any photos of me wearing it yet, but I did put some photos up in my thread in John's section of the forum. It is absolutely incredible........unbelievably comfortable and I think it looks great on.




At the same time I was waiting for this to come I ordered some Holyrood from Marton Mills. When it came, I contacted Doug and Karen at All Things Tartan in Ipswich, QLD. Karen made my nearly 9 yard knife pleat kilt (a tank in every meaning of the word!!) for me shortly after. Again, I am blown away by the quality of work.

In the mean time I ordered some bits and pieces from around the world to complete an outfit including dreaded ghillies, a slightly too small jacket (the sleeves aren't long enough - the next one will have to be a custom one), a seal skin sporran and cheapie belt and buckle. As funds permit and time goes on, I'm looking to supplement what I've got with some more high quality items - probably beginning with a jacket from one of our sponsors.

I do have a photo of some of what I've currently got (and in my Holyrood kilt) - and I'd like some feedback from the rabble if it's not too much to ask. Before you comment, consider the following: the tie does have a blue stripe through it with the light silver and black, but this doesn't show on the photo; likewise, the shirt is actually white and gray, with diagonal stripes. The hose are a dark gray, and were my wife's choice. I'd have worn lovat blue if it were my choice. And finally......the ghillies. I don't have any suitable footwear aside from my band ghillies, but I will get some nice oxfords further down the track.



Cheers.