An American, a Munro, and a Kilt: Planning a visit to Scotland

[CypherMagnum]

Dear Rabble,

Fortune has been kind to me this last year, and I find myself planning a trip to Scotland this October. It will be my first in 43 years of life on this amazing spinning ball of surprises. I have a number of stops planned in the itinerary - from visiting the Edinburgh & Glasgow for the city scenery, to the ancestral Graham holdings, to Braemar in the Cairngorms, to Shetland (wife and I have been wanting to see it for years). But one in particular I want to mention - and get some opinion on, particularly from those that live there, or have lived, or know it well.

We're spending three days in the Trossachs, on the north coast of Loch Lomond (Inverbeg area), in late October. I've got it in my head to climb Ben Lomond. I've always wanted to. My question, then, it this: I've now got it in my head to climb Ben Lomond - in a kilt. As hokey or trite as it may be, this idiot thinks it's a grand idea. Ultimately, at the end of the day, I just want to say I've done it.

So, here's my concerns.

One - Practicality. I know it's going to be cold at that time of year, but I'm pretty resilient and know how to dress for weather. Provided some good hiking boots, a thick wool jumper and a rainshell, I'm hoping to be fine. That being said, I've never hiked a Munro before, so I'm not 100% sure. Anyone done so before? Anyone done so in a kilt?

Two - Propriety. Aside from the usual - occasional odd looks and questions (Been wearing THCD for some years now, I'm used to those) - am I setting myself up for any grief? I've been made to understand there's some eye-rolling amongst the Scots about tourists wearing kilts and such, but I'm hoping it's not much more that that. Bottom line, I don't want to cause a scene or make trouble in the country that's graciously hosting me - I dread being the "Ugly American". I have read some perspectives that have made me somewhat skittish on the idea. On the scale of "Perfectly Acceptable" to "Call in the Marines", where does this lie?

Thanks in advance for any advice or anecdotes you can provide.

Also, If there's anything you know of in Scotland that you think we shouldn't miss - Please let me know! We'll be primarily in the Midlands (around the Forth / Edinburgh / Glasgow area) to start, then to the Trossachs, with a swing up through the Cairngorms, then on to Montrose and the coast, with a final stop at Shetland before heading back to Edinburgh for to catch our flight home. Timeline is the last two weeks of October, and the first week of November.

Best Regards,

Caleb Graham

[neloon]

I've climbed a Munro in the kilt - not Ben Lomond but here's an experience
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/d...the-month.html
At the end of October, the temperature will be around 10C/50F - not too bad.
As for the natives, you could always come across an eye-rolling idiot but it's really not likely. So go for it!
Spend as much time as you can around Braemar - lovely hill-walking around there or climb another couple of Munros.
Shetland is windy. Very!
Alan

[Richrail]

I just got back from two weeks in Scotland and a week in England, I wore my kilt only a couple of times in Scotland. I had the same concerns, so while we were going through one of the many castles I asked a guide what they think of Americans wearing a kilt in Scotland. Her response was they really don't mind or notice if someone is wearing it respectfully, i.e. what we would call THCD. I wore my kilt to an event at Highclere castle in England and I received nothing but complements, even a few questions about the tartan. I wore my Scottish Wildcat kilt so I got to spread the word about help to preserve the Scottish Wildcat. I did wear my kilt to the Blair Atholl highland games also.

Hiking a Blair Atholl



Cakes and concertos event at Highclere Castle

[Jock Scot]

If you want to wear the kilt then do so. Don’t make a song and dance over it , just do it! I would advise just one tartan though............and avoid at all costs the tartan justification lecture!

I do not know Ben Lomond, but I have spent much of my life in the hills of the Highlands, shooting and fishing and personally I cannot understand why anyone should just want to go out on the hill just for a walk! But thousands do every year and some do get caught out by the terrain and the weather and sadly,occasionally........too often....their visit does not end happily.

It seems that you have a good idea of outdoor clothing which is great, but I do honestly question the wisdom of wearing the kilt out on the hill in Oct/Nov, as Scottish weather can and does change suddenly from pleasant conditions to awfull in a matter of minutes, I kid you not! So hope for the best but prepare for the worst, EVERY TIME . Not just for the Autumn and winter months. An Ordinance Survey map of the area........readily available locally......and a compass are a must, do not rely on mobile phone navigation. Oh and take a pair of binoculars.

At the end of October, early November the chances of snow on the high tops will always be present——we had fresh snow on Ben Nevis a couple of days ago—— although it’s not likely to settle for long. The midgies should have departed but keep your eyes open for ticks when you get back to base.

Have fun.

When in Montrose, do spare a couple hours for the Air Heritage Museum, they have some wonderfully interesting exhibits.

[John_Carrick]

Hi there

I would not worry about wearing your kilt generally. No one is going to say anything and most folk are fairly pleased to see it.

I climbed Ben Lomond a few years back and it is an excellent Munro to start with, with a clear, fairly gentle path and awesome views. As memory serves you take the road to the East of the Loch.

I would advise against wearing the kilt on the ascent on the mountain at this time of year. I did climb a Munro in early October (Ben Vorlich, another quite gentle one) and I would advise against it. The temperatures and conditions about 2000 feet can be much more severe and there can be sudden changes. Layers of clothing that can be added and removed as required in your rucksack and good trek shoes will be adequate here if you don't have boots.

Enjoy the trip

John

[Kiltedjohn]

I wouldn't worry about adverse reactions. Enjoy kilt-wearing. Hope you have a great time!

[cessna152towser]

Graham holdings - depending on what you want to see you may need to travel quite a bit - there's Grahams of Monteith, Grahams of Montrose, and the Border Reiver Grahams. Kirkandrews Tower was built as a Graham stronghold, is still extant, but is privately owned and used as a private residence.
https://www.britishlistedbuildings.c...s#.Wy_4J2P0WUk

[figheadair]

I've done a few Munros (262 in fact) including Ben Lomond. I've even done a few in a kilt too but generally I dress for the weather. Did one today as a training run ( lierally) in shorts and a T-shirt as it was mid-70s and the sun was splitting the sky. However, by late Oct/early Nov we generally get the odd shower of snow on the higher tops and I would not dream of going on the hill without full waterproofs, garters, gloves and a hat. You may be lucky, equally you could get caught in some serious rain at that time of year. By all means plan to wear a kilt but have a back up in case the weather has other ideas.

[CypherMagnum]

Thank you all for your honest advice. I've decided that I'll bring the kilt, but have a good Plan B should the weather look less than ideal. Also, my day pack pack will include a set of hiking trousers regardless, should the need to change plans arise mid-ascent. I'm truly excited to go, and can't wait to stand at the top. I hear the view from the peak is wonderful - here's hoping the skies cooperate!

- Caleb

[KiltedSergeant]

Also, If there's anything you know of in Scotland that you think we shouldn't miss - Please let me know!

Sticky Toffee Pudding. I had forgotten how good it was on prior visits, and on my last trip in 2014 I became somewhat addicted to it, and whenever we ate out (most evenings) I had to order it for dessert. Fabulous! Order it at your own risk!