Question about appropriate tartans.

[kilted2000]

Would it be ok, if a non current or former firefighter, soldier, sailor, marine, or whatever else to wear a kilt made with one the the tartans designed to honor the above? I would be wearing it to honor their sacrifices, not just because I thought the tartans looked good.

[Father Bill]

You'll get a lot of perspectives here, but I'm pretty well old-school: tartan to me is a name tag and I only wear my own, not anyone else's.

[Steve Ashton]

And I am a bit different from Bill in that while, I have Scottish ancestry on my fathers side, I have no clan connection.

I currently have 11 kilts even though I am a kilt maker and could have as many as I want.

But I own no Clan Tartans. Every kilt I have are Universal, Regional, or specific to a group.

I wear the X Marks Tartan and the USMC Dress Blue Tartan as that is as close as I have to Clan.







I wear Isle of Skye just because it is so beautiful.



I wear the Hudson's Bay Company Tartan and the Victoria, City of Gardens Tartan because that is where I live.





So I have no problem with someone wearing a Tartan in honor and with respect.

[Jock Scot]

You'll get a lot of perspectives here, but I'm pretty well old-school: tartan to me is a name tag and I only wear my own, not anyone else's.

I totally agree when it comes to a Clan/family tartan. As far as service tartans, then if you didn’t serve in that particular unit, then don’t wear the tartan. I really don’t get this idea of honouring say, “ The Gin and Tonics” Regiment by wearing their tartan because some relative served with them. Just my perspective.

[kilted2000]

I totally agree when it comes to a Clan/family tartan. As far as service tartans, then if you didn’t serve in that particular unit, then don’t wear the tartan. I really don’t get this idea of honouring say, “ The Gin and Tonics” Regiment by wearing their tartan because some relative served with them. Just my perspective.

May I ask what is the difference between a tartan to honor people who served and wearing a poppy for the same reason?

[Jock Scot]

Indeed you may. The poppy is to remember ALL who served the UK and Commonwealth Nations, originally from WW1 then WW2 and subsequently later conflicts, particularly those who died and to support those who are still suffering from their assorted injuries by the population as a whole and is not unit specific.

[12stones]

May I ask what is the difference between a tartan to honor people who served and wearing a poppy for the same reason?

In addition to what Jock Scot said, people don't assume you were a member of the military when you wear a poppy. They will, however, assume you were if you wear the associated tartan. Being a Marine myself, when I see someone wearing the Leatherneck tartan, I automatically assume they, too, are a Marine.

[12stones]

...and the USMC Dress Blue Tartan as that is as close as I have to Clan.

Steve, with your being retired, how are we supposed to get kilts in this lovely tartan????

[Ninehostages]

I totally agree when it comes to a Clan/family tartan. As far as service tartans, then if you didn’t serve in that particular unit, then don’t wear the tartan. I really don’t get this idea of honouring say, “ The Gin and Tonics” Regiment by wearing their tartan because some relative served with them. Just my perspective.

I'd love to have the RCN tartan as I am a veteran of said service and I think that it is stunning. Apparently, it isn't very available, though.

[Ninehostages]

Indeed you may. The poppy is to remember ALL who served the UK and Commonwealth Nations, originally from WW1 then WW2 and subsequently later conflicts, particularly those who died and to support those who are still suffering from their assorted injuries by the population as a whole and is not unit specific.

I will be manning a poppy station at the exit of an auto assembly plant tomorrow afternoon. Those people are VERY GENEROUS givers.