Irish vs Scottish Relations

[BobsYourUncle]

This thread is NOT intended to start any political or racial arguments. This thread is intended to seek practical advice, not rehash the political arguments between Catholic and Protestant inhabitants of Northern Ireland or Ireland. That being said, here is my question for you all:

Am I OK wearing a Scottish clan kilt to an Irish pipe band ball, or will I invoke the anger and ire of those who experienced the troubles? I am a new member of a pipe band. The band is Irish, has an Irish name, is sponsored by and meets at the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Many of the membership are actually Irish citizens, and many of them experienced the troubles personally.

Question # 1: Given the role of Scottish protestant settlers in Northern Ireland, and of Scottish troops of the British Army in Northern Ireland, do I risk causing anger if I wear my Scottish clan kilt to the ball?

Question(s) # 2: What attitudes do the Irish have regarding Scottish people? Favorable, unfavorable? What insights do our Irish members have on this? What insights do our Scottish members have on this? Conversely, how do the Scottish feel toward the Irish?

Yours Aye,

[denmcdough]

I don't know if my input will clarify any of your questions. I'm and American of Irish ancestry so I've never experienced 'the troubles,' although I'm quite familiar with Irish history.

As far as I'm concerned, wearing your Scottish kilt to and Irish function would not bother me. In fact, I've worn my Irish kilt to Scottish functions and never received any grief. With that said, though, if you have some old hard liners present, you might get some guff. Hard to tell.

Let us know what you end up wearing and how it goes. Good luck!!!

[MacBean]

The Irish and Scottish fought side by side in the Jacobean rebellions, though I've seen Irish histories that skip that part and instead cite the fact that Scots fought alongside the English in this and that counter-insurgency. Neither country is all one religion or another, and histories are checkered and uneven across both populations. The little I've seen of Irish makes me think that most don't care if you're Protestant or Catholic as long as you don't impose on or attempt to change their traditions. Inevitably conflicts arise; for example the current N. Ireland gov't is threatening to take away subsidies for Catholic schools in a cost-cutting measure (and so it begins again).

I'd say, be who you are, and if you get some grief, then it's an opportunity to bridge the gaps and make amends. Avoiding isn't ever going to do that. We here aren't going to solve the problems of N. Ireland or provoke them by mere clothing choices.

[Zardoz]

I see you mention the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Can't speak for everywhere, but in many towns the AOH tends to be a Catholic only group, with many ex-pat Irish, and sometimes some of their members can be a little strident about the whole Catholic vs. Protestant or Ulster vs Republic thing. That being said, all the Irish and Irish American folks I know are generally very inclusive and welcoming to everyone. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about Scots, or any other Celtic group at an Irish event. (I wish I could say the same was true about every Scottish or British event I've been to.)
I am often the only guy in a kilt (usually saffron or an Irish tartan) at a lot of Irish stuff, and based on my experience, I don't think anyone would be too concerned about your clan tartan. I guess wouldn't wear Black Watch though.

[seanachie]

The history of the Black Watch is easy to look up for yourself, as recently as few years ago the pipe and drum company came to my hometown of Boston and there were protests.

[Jock Scot]

Just get on with it and wear the kilt, you are an American, I presume, so leave the "troubles" in the British Isles and Eire and in the past.

[The Thing]

Just get on with it and wear the kilt, you are an American, I presume, so leave the "troubles" in the British Isles and Eire and in the past.

I like your quote Jock Scot.
I don't or wouldn't think many Irish people would care about Politics or know the difference between different tartans. I've worn my kilt out a few times in Ireland and got nothing but praise (and cheeky comments). I had more hostile actions when I wore it in Melbourne Australia, that actually made me say to myself that I'd never wear it in Melbourne again.
Anyhoo hope you have a good night, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Urchurdan]

Jock's right, this is the 21st Century, leave the 'troubles' to the nerds who are stuck in the past and go and enjoy yourself. All Scots and Irish are 'brother Celts' I am sure that is how you will be welcomed.
As an aside,my grandson spent a year backpacking Australia in the kilt, and was universally met by bonhommie wherever he went - it opened many doors for him, and on frequent occasions got him invited into more than a few homes to stay for the night.
I guess the last poster just had bad luck - you can get that in any town anywhere.

[cessna152towser]

I am 75% Scottish, three of my grandparents were born into weaver families in Paisley near Glasgow. My fourth set of great grandparents came from Ireland. I visit relatives in Nothern Ireland once or twice a year. I have worn the kilt regularly in Ireland with no problems, Wilson and Ancient Hamilton tartans. I have even worn my Cunningham clan tartan to a ninetieth birthday bash in Lurgan Castle, which is the World Headquarters of the Orange Lodge, and was made welcome there. Ironically when I have worn the County Armagh tartan out and about in County Armagh not one person recognised the tartan and those who asked were surprised to learn that their county has a tartan.

[The Thing]

Jock's right, this is the 21st Century, leave the 'troubles' to the nerds who are stuck in the past and go and enjoy yourself. All Scots and Irish are 'brother Celts' I am sure that is how you will be welcomed.
As an aside,my grandson spent a year backpacking Australia in the kilt, and was universally met by bonhommie wherever he went - it opened many doors for him, and on frequent occasions got him invited into more than a few homes to stay for the night.
I guess the last poster just had bad luck - you can get that in any town anywhere.

Yeah it probably was just bad luck for me on that night. In saying that I've worn the kilt in Tasmania and got nothing but praise and very positive comments