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Don’t step on my blue suede kilt
Fans are flocking to Memphis’ Graceland today for the 30th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. Yet thousands of miles away, in the windswept villages of northeastern Scotland, residents claim they should be the ones benefiting from a tourist influx.
According to a book published a few years ago called “The Presley Prophecy,” the King’s great great great great great great grandparents Andrew Presley and Elspeth Leg were married in Scotland on Aug. 27, 1713. Their son, also named Andrew, would later join the flood of immigrants to the United States in search of a new life.
Scottish villagers lament the fact that little has been done to capitalize on the Presley connection. “If this was America, there would be statues up and hordes of tourists,” said Allan Morrison, author of “The Presley Prophecy.” “But the Scots don’t seem to be much good at that sort of thing.”
Even so, there are a few kilt-makers who are benefiting. An Elvis tartan is being unveiled in Aberdeen, Scotland, in Presley’s favorite colors: black, baby blue, pink, and gold.
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