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- How to wear a kilt
How to wear a Prince Charlie Kilt Outfit
This guide will help you to achieve the look you see below. If you need any additional help, call one of our stores & we will gladly help you out. Dress in the order the items are listed below to keep you comfortable from start to finish.
Kilt Hose (Socks)
Either traditional Cream or contemporary Black or Charcoal, put the socks on & pull up your leg to roughly one finger's width below your knee. Keep the lines straight & the socks wrinkle-free!
Garter Flashes
These are usually clip on, and are elasticated to offer some adjustment. Attach round your leg, just below your knee, with the coloured flash to the outside of each leg. Now fold the patterned top of the sock over the garters, leaving around 2” of the flash showing.
Sgian Dubh
Gaelic for black knife. This is placed inside the sock on the outside of your leg, usually on the side of the hand that you write with, or are quickest with! Around 2” should be left showing over the top of the sock. If you are wearing a real sgian dubh, take care when you take out to show people, as the sheath will stay in your sock & you will be left with an exposed blade.
Ghilie Brogues
These are similar to normal dress brogues, but have no tongue. To tie them: 1. Put on the shoe, tighten, and tie a single knot as you normally would. 2. Keeping this knot tight, run your hands up the lace towards the tassels, keeping the laces taut. 3. Swap hands 6 times, to create a twist in the lace. Pull the laces apart to tighten this to the bottom of the lace, until it is around 2” long. 4. Lay this against your leg and bring the laces around your ankle, just above the ankle bone. Swap hands once at the back and bring the laces back around to the front of your leg. 5. Angle the laces slightly to tie a knot about 1.5” above the twist, and tie a bow as normal. A double knot will help ensure they stay tied during even the most vigorous highland dancing!
Shirt
Traditionally a Wing collar plain shirt worn with a bow tie. Button up & use cufflinks if required.
Bow tie
Wear a self tie bow tie or simply get your pre-tied bow tie on, don't put it too tight, the tie is just a decoration, the wings of the shirt should lie over the top of the bow tie .
Cravat
A cravat isn't as bad as it looks, if you know how to do a tie, then that's how to tie it. Keep the knot looking fairly loose & chunky.
Kilt
Usually cut from 8 yards of fabric,with around 29 pleats which go the rear. This is normally worn around 1” above your belly button & should be firm but not too tight. Start off with the pleats to the back and bring the right-hand panel with the single strap around to the left & feed the strap through the pre-made hole in the kilt & then through into the buckle. Pull this tight & count how many holes used. Now take the left-hand panel & pull across to the right, the top leather strap should go on the same number of hole as the first strap. This helps keep the kilt balanced. If your kilt benefits from a seat strap, fasten this as well, but not tight. This only helps to keep the kilt closed. You know when you have the kilt on correctly when you have the kilt 2.5 cm above your navel & when you look in a mirror & see the bottom half of your knee cap. Now you have to centre the kilt, look for the symmetrical sides of the pattern within the pattern & use that to centre. If this isn't apparent, take the leading front & right edge of the front panel, fold in half & that's your centre.
Kilt Pin
Is only there for decoration & to add a little weight to the corner of the kilt. The pin should only be put through the front panel of the kilt, usually about 4” up & 2” in from the fringed edge.
Waistcoat
Put this on & fasten all of the buttons. There is an adjuster at the back to tighten the waist if required.
Sporran & chains
This is your man-bag to store all your essential day & night out tools, & should be placed to the front of the kilt, with the straps & chains through the belt loops at the rear of the kilt & fastened like a watch strap. This should centre to the pattern of the kilt & when you put your waistcoat on the top of the sporran should be just below the bottom of the waistcoat.
Belt & buckle
This is not a normal addition to the Prince Charlie kilt outfit. But if you intend to take the jacket & waistcoat off it completes the look & finishes the top of the kilt off. This fits through the belt loops at the rear of the kilt & fastens at the front of the kilt. It is normally worn at the top of the kilt & again centres up to the sporran & the pattern of the kilt. Ensure that there is at least 2.5 cm gap between the top of the sporran & the buckle to prevent damage to either. Jacket Put the jacket on as normal. This style does not fasten does, but should feel comfy & have the correct sleeve length for you.
Plaid & brooch
This is for decoration & is normally worn over the left shoulder. Fold the plaid from corner to corner & pull through the epaulette on the shoulder of the jacket & pull down so that it reaches the bottom button on the front of the jacket. The rest of the plaid will then drape at the rear of the jacket Brooch This is pushed gently through the jacket & plaid. It usually helps to twist through the cloth as pushing could damage both parts.
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- How do you tie a bow tie or tie
How to Tie a Bow-Tie

- Start with the left end 1 ½" (4 cm) longer than the right end. Slip the short end under the long end.
Hint: The extra length (such as 1 ½") depends on the width of the narrow part of the tie, the thickness of the cloth, and whether you want a symmetrical tie. Some people prefer lopsided or tilted ties.
- Choose how long you want the tie to be. The button is a reference point. Finish crossing the long end over the short end.
- Slip the long end under the short end, while holding the tie at the button to keep it loose.
- Zig-zag the end on your chest. One fold is in the wide part of the tie.
- Zig-zag in progress.
- Fold the long flap over the front of the tie.
- Pinch the front of the tie in half. This will let you find a side-to-side hole through the tie, which is hidden behind the front of the tie.
How to Tie a Bow-Tie

- Pinch the right side of the wide part of the tie, while swinging the long flap to the right.
- Push the pinched corner through the hidden hole.
- Flatten the right half of the front.
- Slip a finger into the left bow. Even up the 3 layers of the right half, while pulling the left bow through the hole.
- Grip all 3 layers on the right, and pull the left bow through the hole.
- Flatten the left half of the front.
- Straighten the tie.
Hint: Some people prefer lopsided or tilted ties.
- Tuck the shirt points between the tie's thin strip and the bow tie.
- Done! To untie, pull the single ends.
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- How do I tie my kilt shoes (brogues)?
First pull the sock up past your knee, then place the garter elastic round the narrow part below your knee & fasten, remember to tighten the garter so that you feel the tension on your leg, this will keep your sock up & help to keep your sgian dubh in.
Now pull the top of the sock over the garter.
The correct sock to put the sgian dubh in depends on which hand you write with, speed of access to the knife is all important, opening letters, cutting the beast open (Haggis) left handers, left sock, right handers, right sock, in line with the garter.
Push the sgian dubh into your sock, so that the only 3" is visible above the sock
Put a shoe on, tighten the laces as normal.
Do a normal twist at the lace bottom.
Tighten the lace, put your fingers at the top of the lace where the tassels are.
Now cross over the lace at the bottom, by alternately putting each lace into the opposite hand.
Do this for a total of six twists, then tighten so the twisted part is 2" long, don't let the lace slacken.
Now put the lace round your leg and then to the front.
Tie a normal lace now.
Tighten, but not to tight so as to cut your circulation, now double knot.
Nice job, well done! Close menu
- Frequently asked questions about ordering
Purchase Items
If you wish to purchase goods from us and you live in the United Kingdom we will send the goods by Royal Mail Recorded Delivery.
Hire items
You can collect your outfit LOCALLY from any of our stores. Edinburgh Haymarket, Musselburgh, Dundee or our Dalkeith warehouse
We also offer POSTAL SERVICE for your OUTFIT to your home address ONLY on the UK mainland. Our service works from Monday to Friday from 9am till 5pm. There is an extra charge for this service. Our deliveries will be dispatched to arrive with you 2 days prior to your function (where possible) so that you have the opportunity to try your outfit on before the function.
On both delivery & collection occasions, you have to ensure the following
- You give us a full postal address.
- You give us a contact telephone number.
- You give us a contact name that will receive the goods & be there for uplift.
- You check the goods before return back to our stores.
On return we supply labels for you to parcel the outfit (s) back into the delivery box, simply take the parcel to the post office & obtain a receipt for the return journey & retain for ONE MONTH, Please advise us of dispatch
- Identification requirements for hire outfits
Important information required for each person
UK Residents
Non-UK Residents
If you live within the UK
Prior to, or on collection, or prior to delivery, EACH ADULT HIRER (one adult outfit per person) must provide TWO forms of printed identification.
These must consist of one form of photographic identification & one proof of address, dated within
the last 90 days. These can be sent by fax or e-mail, or handed in to any branch in person.
Hire orders for persons under the age of 18 years must be booked under a parent, guardian or other responsible adult's details, and have said person's signature & Identification. An adult hirer may take responsibility for one or more children's orders as well as their own.
Management reserves the right to cancel an order if identification is not deemed suitable.
List one: Photographic ID
- 1. New photo card driving license.
- 2. UK Passport within current dates.
- 3. Inland revenue photo card / armed forces card / Police ID card.
- 4. Armed forces ID card
- 5. Emergency services ID card.
List two: Proof of address
- 1.Bank or credit card statement dated within the last 90 days.
- 2.Utility or services bill dated within last 90 days.
- 3.Mobile/Telephone bill dated within last 60 days.
NO OTHER FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION ARE ACCEPTABLE.
If you cannot provide adequate identification a Security deposit is accepted as an alternative. This can be provided on a CREDIT CARD or in CASH only and is set at the values below;
OUTFIT DEPOSIT VALUE
- Adult full outfit £500.00
- Adult part outfit £350.00
- Adult large single Item only £250.00
- Children's full outfit £250.00
- Children's any part outfit £175.00
- Children's large single item £125.00
Orders will be cancelled and monies withheld if identification rules are not adhered to.
Management reserves the right to refuse any order or customer.
If you live outwith the UK
A Security deposit is accepted in place of Identification. This can be provided on a CREDIT CARD or in CASH only and is set at the values below;
OUTFIT DEPOSIT VALUE
- Adult full outfit £500.00
- Adult part outfit £350.00
- Adult large single Item only £250.00
- Children's full outfit £250.00
- Children's any part outfit £175.00
- Children's large single item £125.00
Orders will be cancelled and monies withheld if identification rules are not adhered to.
Management reserves the right to refuse any order or customer.
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- Terms and conditions of sale
Terms and conditions of sale & hire
1. General:
This contract is for the hire of items & accessories & the sale of goods detailed on your order and the parties to the contract are:
(a) Definitions: The Hirer and, where the Hirer is not an individual acting in person, the “signatory” overleaf. the kilt hire co ltd (Registered No: SC158881) with registered office at Dundas House, Westfield Park, Eskbank EH223FB. Any condition deemed invalid would not affect other conditions. Nothing in this contract is intended to limit a customer’s existing legal rights.
(b) Extent of Contract The contract is not assignable and is effective when the kilt hire co accepts the Hirers detailed order.
(c) Termination The kilt hire co may terminate the contract and repossess hired goods without affecting any rights to recover monies due, damages for breach of contract or other remedies where the Hirer is in breach or is involved in insolvency or liquidation proceedings.
(d) Ownership of Goods Goods hired remain the property of the kilt hire co at all times. Ownership of goods purchased transfers only when the kilt hire co receives full payment.
2. Hire charges
(a) Basis of Charging The stated hire charges overleaf are for the duration of the contract and include Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, where applicable, Standard hire duration, three days. Start of hire is deemed to be 9am on the day of the function. Any shortages will be noted on the contract at the start.
(b) Time for Payment and VAT The Hirer will pay monies outstanding, including VAT, on demand (interest on account overdue will be charged at the Royal Bank of Scotland base rate plus 4%) and will be liable for reasonable legal charges, incurred by the kilt hire co, in the recovery of amounts due, hired or sale goods.
(c) Deposits Deposits are set by the kilt hire co, at amounts reasonably required and will be offset against any monies due. All deposits are non-returnable.
(d) Credit and Debit Card Transactions Where the Hirer has authorised a preauthorization, at any time, we may convert this from preauthorization to sale, in particular when goods have been returned damaged or non returned items. This is also the case if a cash deposit has been taken.
(e) Loss of Hired Goods and Damage Repair the kilt hire co may treat goods unavailable for inspection after reasonable notice as lost and levy a penalty charge against the Hirer equal to the current retail sale value. The Hirer will pay for loss of hired goods, breakage and damage, except where condition 2 (f) applies. Hire charges will accrue until full settlement is made.
(f) Damage Waiver Option Where the Hirer pays the appropriate damage waiver charge (available as an option) the kilt hire co will waive any charge to rectify accidentally damaged hired goods. It is the customer’s responsibility to Insure hired goods if the kilt hire co damage waiver option is not taken. Damage waiver is not insurance for lost, stolen or maliciously damaged hired goods.
(g) Cancellation Charges and Changes to orders. Changes to hire orders must be made no later than s weeks before the function date. Any changes requested after this will incur a £10.00 administration fee, per order.
the kilt hire co charges for hire contract cancellation. Standard charge £20.00 the kilt hire co charges for sale contract cancellation. Standard 20% restocking charge.
(h) Late charges Late charges are applied if outfits or single items are not returned on the planned day. Late charge rates are 20% of the total order per day including bank & public holidays.
3. HIRER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
(a) Inspection and Receipt of Hired Goods The Hirer will sign to acknowledge receipt at delivery / handover. Shortages must be agreed and noted on the contract / delivery document. Goods hired with defects must be reported to the kilt hire co on the eve of the function, if not earlier. In the case of hired goods being taken overseas by the Hirer, any shortages or defects must be reported before the hired goods leave the UK mainland. Rectification after the event is not practical. Insurance is the customers liability. If hired items are lost in transit the full retail value shall be paid by the customer until returned, when a partial refund, less any hire charges accrued.
(b) Security of Hired Goods The Hirer accepts responsibility for hired goods and their security until its collection by or return to the kilt hire co and undertakes not to sell or relinquish possession, alter, repair or modify them in any way.
(c) Return or Collection of Hired Goods The Hirer may arrange for the return or collection of hired goods at any branch of the kilt hire co, during normal business hours. Return of all hired goods will be prior to 2 PM on the date specified. Collections are chargeable, at the rate displayed in store, at the current rates. The Hirer shall remain liable for hire goods until safe return / collection. Late charges in paragraph 2(h)
(d) Lost or Stolen Hired Goods The Hirer agrees to insure (Insurance is between the Hirer and Independent Insurance company, accidental damage waiver will not cover this loss) the hired goods on a full replacement basis against the risks of loss and theft and on demand pay to the kilt hire co any insurance claim proceeds. If no Independent Insurance is taken, the Hirer shall repay to the kilt hire co full retail value of the lost/stolen goods on return of remaining goods. This liability is without prejudice to the kilt hire co rights under the contract. Replacement goods purchased with any insurance claim proceeds are the property of the kilt hire co.
(e) Identification Prior to or on collection you must provide, TWO forms of printed identification for EACH adult hirer. These must consist of one form of photographic identification & one proof of address, dated within the last 90 days. These can be sent by fax or e-mail, or handed in to the branch in person. Persons under the age of 18 years must have a parent, guardian’s or other responsible adult’s signature & Identification.
Management reserve the right to cancel an order if identification is not deemed suitable.
List one: Photographic ID 1. New photo card driving license. 2. UK Passport within current dates. 3. Inland revenue photo card / armed forces card / Police ID card. 4. Armed forces IDcard 5. Emergency services IDCard.
List two: Proof of address 1.Bank or credit card statement dated within the last 90 days. 2.Utility or services bill dated within last 90 days. 3.Mobile/Telephone bill dated within last 60 days. Identification is required on all orders prior to collection.
NO OTHER FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION ARE ACCEPTABLE. If you cannot provide adequate identification, or if you live out with the UK then a Security deposit is accepted as an alternative. This can be provided on a CREDIT CARD or in CASH only.
Please note: Credit Card Security Deposits may take up to 10 working days to cancel.
Orders will be cancelled and monies withheld if identification rules are not adhered to.
Management reserve the right to refuse any order or customer.
4. THE KILT HIRE CO RESPONSIBILITIES
(a) Hire Rates: we will maintain the agreed hire rates for the duration of the contract.
(c) Fitting, Delivery and Collection: we recommend that hired goods be collected and tried on and the Hirer is fully aware of how the goods should be worn, at least 8 hours before your function. the kilt hire co offers facilities in store for the Hirer to try on hired goods. Failure to try on your hired goods prior to your function will remove liability from the kilt hire co for fitting errors. You must be 100% satisfied with the hired goods before you wear them; the only way is to try them on prior to your function. If you do not the kilt hire co, cannot be responsible after the wear. Following the Hirer’s request, the kilt hire co will endeavor to deliver or collect the hired goods during the next business day, wherever possible, at the charges advertised.
(d) Limitation of Liability: The liability of the kilt hire co for claims made by the Hirer does not extend to any unforeseeable financial loss caused by late or non delivery of hired or sale goods, unsuitability, stoppage or lawful repossession. Subject to the above, the kilt hire co will be liable for negligence or error in the performance of its obligations under the contact. Dalkeith EH22 3N
5. DISTANCE SELLING REGULATIONS
Under the Distance Selling Regulations, you have a right to cancel your order for any item purchased on this website for a full refund. This does not apply to items personalised or made to your specification. Items such as MTM kilts and jackets that, by reason of their sizing and specific specifications, cannot be returned; perishable goods (e.g. food and flowers)
To cancel, you can email us or write to us (see ‘contact us’ for details) by the end of the seventh working day** after the day on which you receive your item(s), quoting your order number. You must take reasonable care of the item(s) and must not use them. Item(s) may be returned to one of The Kilt Hire Co Ltd stores, or we can arrange collection. Only In the event of an item being unsuitable for its purpose, or being of a lesser quality than that which is advertised, The Kilt Hire Co Ltd will be liable for any postage charges incurred. Otherwise, you are liable for all postage charges.
You may cancel an order for services in the same way, by the end of the seventh working day** after the day on which you purchase the service, unless the services begin sooner. You may not cancel transport/delivery services which occur on a specific date.
If you have an Internet order query, call 0131 660 3451 or e mail: dalkeith@kilthire.com
** All days other than Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
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- Refund Policy
In the event that your purchase is not suitable, you have the right to return it to us unused, with the original packaging and labels. You must notify us in writing within 7 working days, by post, email or fax of your intention to do this. In this instance, you will be responsible for any return postage.
Where you are requiring an exchange, for example, because a size has been incorrectly ordered, we will make a cost of postal charge to arrange the exchange. Payment for this must be provided before we will send out the replacement item.
For European and International orders the charge will vary depending on the current cost of delivery to that country. For an accurate price, please contact us before returning your item.
Sorry, we cannot accept returns of videos, CD's, DVDs, books or computer software where any seals have been broken.
When returning goods to us, we suggest that you use registered post or a guaranteed delivery service.
PLEASE NOTE! : Whilst we are happy to try and resolve any issues relating to faulty products sent back to us, we must insist that under Health & Safety guidelines all such returns are CLEAN, this includes the soles of any footwear returned. Items that are received in a smelly, dirty, or damp state will not be dealt with and will be simply returned to the sender. Any additional postage costs arising out of such returns will have to be met by the customer.
All refunds will be given as soon as possible, and usually take the form of a refund transaction onto the card used for the original purchase. At the very latest we will refund your money within 30 days from the day we receive your cancellation. In the case of incorrect ordering and undisclosed reasons for return, the customer will be expected to pay the return postage costs.
The address for any returns is: Returns Department, The kilt store, 27/1 Hardengreen Industrial este, Dalkeith, EH223NX
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- Postage & delivery charges & times
| Delivery Table |
Up to £30 |
£30.01 + |
| Mainland UK |
2.50 | FREE! |
FREE |
| Next Business Day Service |
£6.90 |
£4.95 |
| Europe including Channel Islands |
£6.50 - Flat Rate
*A surcharge may apply large, bulky or heavy international orders. We will always confirm with you before applying any changes to your order
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| International (Rest of World) |
£6.50 - Flat Rate
*A surcharge may apply large, bulky or heavy international orders. We will always confirm with you before applying any changes to your order
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* In rare circumstances a surcharge may apply to large or bulky items. We will always confirm with you before any changes are made to your order
Your items may arrive in different shipments. Depending on the type, quantity and weight of items in your order, we may pack and ship them in different packages to ensure they arrive on time and undamaged. You will never be charged more for shipping and handling than what appears at checkout.
Kilthire.com does its best to ensure your delivery arrives on time. However, delivery dates are not guaranteed and there may be a number of unforeseen reasons why your items will arrive after the estimated arrival date. Large orders (100+ items), customs clearance, credit card authorization and verification, may all delay delivery of your order.
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- Contact us
- Let us call you
- VAT free shopping & international purchases
WELCOME TO GREAT BRITAIN TAXFREE SHOPPING!
When visiting Great Britain as a non EU resident you
are entitled to reclaim the local sales tax – usually known as VAT, on all items purchased during your
stay in Great Britain. VAT at the current time is 20%
Countries and territories within the European Union and therefore NOT eligible are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, The Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain
and Sweden.
Discover GREAT BRITAIN TaxFree
YOU'LL BENEFIT FROM OUR FAST, SECURE AND RELIABLE TAX REFUND SERVICE
We refund a higher percentage of VAT with the simplest transaction process and you the much valued international shopper choose how your VAT is refunded.
There are three easy steps to making your claim.
If purchasing the goods direct from our store during your stay in the UK
Step one:
Collect your Great Britain TaxFree VAT form & pre addressed envelope from the store
Collect your receipt at point of purchase in the store.
Step two:
On departure, present your goods to customs in Great Britain
Show your TaxFree declaration form, your passport and shop receipt to Customs for validation.
Ensure customs stamp the form, without that we cannot process the VAT claim.
Step three:
Put the tax free customs stamped form back into the envelope & return it to the address.
Enjoy your flight
Your refund will be processed & returned in the format you requested, less a small handling fee.
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- Privacy policy
Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how we use any personal information we collect about you when you use this website.
What information do we collect about you?
We collect information about you when your register with us or place an order for products or services. We also collect information when you voluntarily complete surveys, provide feedback or participate in competitions. Information which we collect may include:
- Name
- Address
- Email address
- Telephone numbers
- Payment Card details
- Identification details (for hire customers)
Website usage information is collected using Cookies.
How do we use your information?
We collect information about you to process your order, manage your account and keep historical records of your orders and, if you agree, to contact you about products and offers we think you may be interested in.
Website usage information is used to personalise your experience on our website and to compile usage statistics to help us update and improve our website.
the kilt hire co ltd will not share your information with any other organisation, unless required to do so by law.
Marketing
From time to time, we would like to contact you regarding our products, services and offers. If you have consented to receive marketing from us you may opt out at a later date.
You have the right at any time to stop the kilt hire co ltd from contacting you for marketing purposes. If you no longer want to be contacted by us, please email dalkeith@kilthire.com.
Access to your information
You have the right to request a copy of any information we hold about you. If you would like a copy of some or all of your personal information, please write to us at the following address:
We may make a small charge for this service.
We want to make sure that any information we hold about you is accurate and up-to-date. You may ask us to correct or remove any information you think is inaccurate.
Cookies
Cookies are text files placed onto your computer to collect standard internet log information and visitor behaviour information. This information is used to track visitor use of the website and to compile statistical reports on website activity.
Further information about cookies can be found at www.allaboutcookies.org.
You can set your browser not to accept cookies, and the above website will give you information on how to remove cookies from your computer. In some cases certain features of our website may not function as a result.
Other websites
Our website may contain links to other websites. This privacy policy only applies to this website so if you link to any other websites you should read the privacy policies of those websites.
Changes to our privacy policy
We keep our privacy policy under regular review and will place any updates to it on this page. We recommend that you check this page from time to time to ensure you are aware of our most up-to-date policy.
This privacy policy was last updated in December 2010
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