Scottish outlook on kilted Americans?

[Fortiter Et Recte]

I am curious to how folks from Scotland perceive kilt wearing Americans? My family line on my fathers side moved to America in the late 1700's and the late 1800's from Scotland, Ireland and Nova Scotia. My mothers line from Switzerland, Germany and England in the 1800's. Do Scots look down on someone like me that wears a Kilt for occasions and is not 100% Scottish and/or not born and raised in the UK?

[cessna152towser]

There is a saying here in Scotland that a kilt is a garment worn by Scots only while in North America and only worn by North Americans in Scotland.
Not strictly true, you will see plenty of Scots wearing kilts at weekends when there are weddings and sporting fixtures taking place, but during the working day a kilt stands out from the crowd and the wearer is often assumed to be an American visitor. I can say this from first hand experience as a Scot who frequently wears a kilt here in Scotland.
To answer your question, no we certainly don't look down on North Americans or any other non-Scots wearing the kilt. On the contrary, almost all Scots are proud to see their culture being celebrated, whether as part of the vistor's personal heritage or whether the visitor simply likes Scotland.

[Jock Scot]

If you look through my old Threads you will see what SOME Scots think in "Food for thought" and "Food for thought 2(F4T2)". Not necessarily a general opinion in Scotland and certainly not singling Americans out in particular, but a prevailing opinion of some nonetheless.

[Domehead]

Cessna152towser & Jock Scot,
Having read many of your opinions on this matter, I do have a couple of questions. Feel free not to have an answer. It's more curiosity.
Scotland's Higher Education speaks for itself, be it Edinburgh or Glasgow Universities during the Enlightenment; the legacies of legendary moderates like William Robertson or conservative "practical" thinkers like Lord Kames. Considering this learned history, I'd think many Scotsmen would at least be familiar with Sir Walter Scott's romantic notion of National Dress.

Jock Scot's made his feelings well known about being kilted. I believe he'd be fine with any Scotsman choosing smart Daywear for an early meal with their lady friend, as it were. Why isn't a variant on Daywear chosen more often for attending a Play or Musical in any town or city? Why don't more University Professors tend their classes in Daywear when it fancies them? Why don't parishioners attend services in Daywear more often, other than Weddings?

I can'nae imagine Cessna152towser would be sore under any of these scenarios. In fact, one might feel that regular "kilting" under usual circumstance (those that call for coat and tie) would make the wearing of highland attire less an overt act and more, dare I say, "normal".

None of my questions are intended as a judgement. Please do'nae be offended. They are actual questions.

[Jock Scot]

I think I can answer your question "Why". The answer is, very broadly speaking, that kilt-wearers from all over the world---including Scotland these days-----do not have the kilt wearing background thus they are lacking the knowledge of what is required and in consequence lack the confidence to make their kilt attire decisions correctly.

[Domehead]

That makes sense. That would explain why the "Wedding" scenario plays out...an homage to historic culture, but the nuance of appropriateness is handled by the Kilt Hire.
In effect, Daywear is treated much the same as hooped skirts (gowns). Once, they were the only evening attire for a Victorian woman. Now they are rarely seen, and only when on a gown (Bridal?) of that style - for formal occasions. Thanks for your thoughts.

[Phil]

Wearing a kilt is a profound experience for anyone brought up in a western background where trousers (pants) are the normal form of dress. It is an opportunity to step outside the humdrum mediocrity of present-day mens' clothing, to be a bit individual and, let's face it - be a bit of a peacock. Women do it all the time but men are stuck in a bit of a rut dress-wise.
OK it is a Scottish national dress but there is nothing to stop anyone else adoping it, especially if they have a Scottish background or just really want to identify with it. The only thing we Scots ask is that it is worn with respect and not treated as some sort of fancy dress costume.

[Fortiter Et Recte]

I only want to wear it to honor my family that made the great leap from Scotland to America. The Elliott clan history intrigues me plus the outfit looks cool! :-)

[Gael Ridire]

Phil an all - Thanks for the opinions! I'd post a photo of my recent family addition, but seem that it won't upload. A year ago when my final child announced he was engaged I gave each child and spouse a tartan tie & sash for Christmas. At my granddaughter's blessing the tie & sashes were worn, and many folks recognized the fact and realized that something special was happening. Someday we'll all have kilts. But it was special to the family.

[ThistleDown]

I add my voice in full agreement with Alex, Jock and Phil, but it does need to be pointed out that your Elliot forebears who moved to America in the 1700s never wore the kilt before that move. Highland dress has been adopted as Scottish national dress, but wearing it should not automatically be assigned a role as ancestor recognition. The Border families are as important as the Highland clans in the history of Scotland. Wear the kilt because you love it.