Figure 1.--s.

I lived in the east end of London until I was 8 years of age. Like most boys I was a tough kid and was always seen running around in dirty grey shorts and tank top, like the other kids.

I was happy and had many friends. It was the summer of my eighth year that my life was to change. My mother was taken very ill and after a hard fight died. I was heart broken and my aunt took charge of me temporarily whilst arrangements would be made as to who would look after me from then on. It was decided that my Gran who lived in Scotland would take me into her house and look after me until my adulthood.

I had only seen her a few times during my 8 years of life and was nervous. My Gran was quite wealthy and I was told that it would be for the best and that I would have a very good life with her rather than growing up in the east end of London.

I was t go on the Saturday and I was informed that I was to be sent a suit to wear for the journey, a prospect I did not relish. I did not likeh the idea of being dressed in a grey suit and clean shoes etc. Little did I know what was meant by a suit from my Gran, and my Aunt was not about to tell me neither.

I woke up on Saturday and got washed as normal and went down to breakfast. Whilst I ate my breakfast my Aunt told me that she would go and get my "suit" ready for the journey and I was to come up as soon as I had finished. After having breakfast I went upstairs to get my dreaded suit on. On entering my bedroom I was horrified. Lying on my bed neatly laid out was a kilt, jacket, grey socks, grey jumper and t-strap sandals. I told my Aunt I was not wearing a skirt. After a lot of arguing I lost the battle and had to put on the kilt.

I stood there all decked out in my highland suit and felt like a sissy and was not looking forward to my friends seeing me dressed like this. I went down stairs and sat in the kitchen sulking. My Aunt tried to cheer me up by saying how smart I looked, which did not help in matters.

At about 11 I left the house to travel to the train station. My Aunt carried my case full of my belonging which did not include my clothes as my Gran would have a new wardrobe sorted out for me. My friends taunted me all the way to the station which although only a few hundred yards away seemed to be miles.

It felt strange wearing a kilt. I ha never worn one before. I arrived at the station and sat waiting for the train with my Aunt. A lot of children kept staring at me in my attire. It was rare seeing a boy in a kilt I guess. A few women came over and said how cute I looked or oh what a darling you look etc. Eventually the train came and I climbed onto it. My Aunt told me to take care an how to behave.

It took ages to get to Scotland and for most of the journey I slept. I arrived at the station. I got off the train and there waiting for me was my Gran. Also with her was her 7 year old nephew who was dressed in a kilt just like me, but instead of the tweed jacket I had on he had a blue velvet jacket with a lace collar and cuffs. Instead of grey socks he had white tights and black patent leather shoes with shiny buckles. He looked a right sissy I thought. After greeting each other we got into her shouter driven car. I made fun of George (my Grans nephew) all the way to the house. Something I would regret later.

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Created: October 14, 1999
Last updated: February 5, 2001