The journey of the Men in Kilts Calendar began in 2011, as I uncovered a newfound passion for photographing the remarkable and historic landmarks scattered across the UK. Despite my school days being a bit of a snooze-fest when it came to history, there was something undeniably captivating about immortalising these breathtaking locales through my lens. Each trip became a thrilling adventure, sparking excitement and wonder at every turn. As I ventured through the diverse landscapes of our country, I found myself pondering: who else might have stood in my place hundreds of years ago?
Inspiration
That same year, 2011, Game of Thrones hit our TV screens like a thunderbolt, weaving a tapestry of shocking plot twists, majestic castles, and George R. R. Martin's imaginative spin on historical events. As the seasons unfolded, we delved deeper into the intricate histories of noble families, some even boasting mythical powers. It was an obsession, an insatiable need to unravel every mystery. I was hooked, desperate to know what would happen next.
Celtic Roots
Embarking on a quest for discovery, I dove headfirst into the labyrinth of my family history. Armed with nothing but curiosity and a trusty internet connection, I scoured the digital depths for clues about my roots. To my astonishment, what I found exceeded all expectations. Amongst the digital archives, I uncovered traces of our ancient Celtic origins, a family crest steeped in symbolism, and even our very own tartan – a vibrant tapestry of our heritage. I also found links to a famous saint, St Cuthbert, who is said to have healed many people.
Outlander Influence
In 2014, the world was introduced to the phenomenon that is Outlander, and let me tell you, Sam Heughen as a kilt-clad Scot? Absolute perfection! The Scottish accent alone could make anyone weak at the knees. But beyond the swoon-worthy lead, Outlander opened up a whole new world of fantasy for audiences worldwide. Suddenly, we were all whisked away on a journey we never knew we needed—the storyline, rich with historical depth and intrigue, not only entertaining but educating. From the intricate dynamics of different clans to the turbulent history of the highlanders, it was a crash course in Scottish history like no other. And let's not forget the cherry on top – casual time travel and a sprinkle of witchcraft, because why not? Outlander truly had it all, ticking every box imaginable.
Men in Kilts Photography
It was then that I decided to take my photography in a more niche direction, asking myself how I could combine my interests into my photography. And that's when the idea for the Men in Kilts Calendar struck! Now began the actual logistics of making it work. I got in touch with a store called Eightyards www.8yards.co.uk, a gem nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, renowned for their top-notch kilts. With a few phone calls and a sprinkle of Scottish charm, I had my hands on some of the finest kilts and a team of willing models ready to strike a pose. And just like that, the 2014 Men in Kilts Calendar was born!
Fast forward to today, this year marks our 10th year in production – talk about a milestone! With a global fanbase cheering us on, the future is looking bright. We hope to continue expanding our range of sexy merchandise, and we're also eyeing up some traditional Scottish gifts to add to our store. But hey, who knows what adventures lie ahead? Maybe I'll even pull a Claire Fraser and time-travel with my camera in tow. The possibilities are endless!
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