Scotland's National Attire

[CMcG]

I know the kilt is Scotland's national attire, but I'm curious to know a bit more about this fact from a historical point of view. I'm thinking particularly in regards to the level of acceptance of this in Scotland generally, as I understand the kilt's origin is as the regional, ethno-cultural attire of Gaelic Highlanders. I'm not necessarily asking how many people wear the kilt or how often (a question that has been asked before), but rather if all Scots accept the kilt as their national attire, regardless of whether they own one or not? That is to say, how much is the kilt a part of modern Scotland's heritage?

I think I've read on Xmarks that as recently as the 1950s, a Lowlander wouldn't have been caught dead in a kilt. Is this true and if so, when and how did this change? In other words, do all parts of Scotland accept the kilt and to what extent?

I've asked another, related question before, but never had a clear response: does the kilt have any official, legal status or is it more a question of culture and common practice? Perhaps this question could be complicated by Scotland not being independent, but rather being a part of Great Britain... let's try to not make the answers political so this thread doesn't get shut down, eh?

[creagdhubh]

Very intriguing questions to ask, there's no denying that fact. Whereas I am not completely sure of a definitive answer to your questions and without straying too far off topic, what I do know is this:

I am of Scottish Highland descent, being a third generation 'Scottish-American.' Both my maternal and paternal lines originally come from the Scottish Highlands and through my paternal line, I am directly descended from the Invereshie Macphersons of upper Badenoch in Inverness-shire. Of course, there are many more details and pertinent information in which I acquired and discovered through many years of genealogical research and participation in a DNA project, however, I shall not bore any of you with the details - that's for another time and another thread perhaps.

I believe that because of this invaluable family information and from my understanding, fascination, respect, and enthusiasm for the land of my forefathers, is the most important reason why I choose to wear Highland dress - both whilst in Scotland and outwith the Highlands in America. I choose to wear Highland dress because I am descended from Gaelic-speaking Highlanders, and a Highland clan deep-rooted in its Celtic identity and traditions.

I can honestly say, if I was not descended from a Highland clan, then more than likely I would not wear the kilt. I have always associated Highland dress with the Scottish Highlandersand not Lowland families. Now, by no means am I attempting to start an uproar on the forum or cause any sort of aggravation with any of you, not at all. Obviously, there are many people worldwide that wear Highland dress and may or may not be of Scottish Highland descent, which is perfectly acceptable and does not matter to me. I am not that much of a purist, despite popular opinion, hahaha! The fact of the matter is that I do enjoy observing people of all colour, shapes, sizes, sex and background wearing Highland dress, specifically the kilt. Its always a fantastic 'ice-breaker' for a casual discussion of all things Scottish.

Generally speaking, I tend to believe that the kilt and the manner of wearing it with all of its glorious accessories and glittering gear, is more of a cultural expression and tradition - a form of dress and cultural identity that was specifically worn in the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland, but now in our modern era, it is worn by Scots located all over Scotland, as well as by those who may or may not be of Scottish descent outwith of Scotland. To me, the kilt is the finest example of National dress that the world has ever seen, and should be preserved as such.

Kind regards,

[pascs]

I come from the North East of Scotland and as far as I'm aware everyone I know would say the kilt is their national dress. I do know men who dont wear the kilt but I still think they would say it was their national dress.

When I have been at weddings etc nearly every man has been wearing a kilt, although not wearing some of the more extravagant accessories, this has always been normal for me. My father wore a kilt, my relatives wear kilts and my friends all wear kilts.

I cant say if other areas of Scotland are the same

[MacSpadger]

I also come from the North East of Scotland and as far as I'm aware everyone I know would say the kilt is their national dress as well. I also know men who don't wear the kilt but would say it was their national dress.

My father also wore a kilt, my relatives wear kilts, my friends all wear kilts and that's not including piping friends or members or ex-members of the regimental association. I grew up with kilt wearing men around, but we were a Gordon Highlanders family despite having the Black Watch billeted with us one summer.

As far as I am aware the kilt has been considered an item of Scottish national dress, (not just the Highlands), since at least the mid 1800's, mainly due to the high profile given the kilt during the 1822 visit of King George IV to Scotland. Scottish troops have taken the kilt all over the world since the 1700's and many thousands of them died in their kilts during WW1.

If you attend an international rugby, or better still, a football (soccer) match and see the Tartan Army you will get a rapid answer as to how the kilt is percieved as a modern item of national identity. For better or worse, you will see thousands of kilted Scotsmen in the space of a few minutes.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

While I think it is impossible to put any sort of fixed date on the time line of Scottish history as to exactly when the kilt became "the National Dress of Scotland", I believe that the wide spread adoption of the kilt as the symbol of Scottish identity (as distinct from Highland identity) begins in the late 19th century/early 20th century. Certainly in 1914 Loudon MacQueen Douglas thought of the kilt in those terms when he published his wee book, "THE KILT A Manual Of Scottish National Dress".

Douglas was the President of the Scottish Society of Edinburgh (founded in 1911) and in the preface to his book he sets out the objectives of the Society:

"The cultivation of Scottish National Sentiment, the preservation of Scottish Traditions, and the encouragement of the wearing of Scottish National Dress."

So, in his eyes at least, the kilt was the national dress of Scotland. 100 years later, it would seem that this is so.

[Bugbear]

Embarrassing OT rant deleted.

[guardsman]

Damn them squirrels LOL

[Blackrose87]

Having lived in Edinburgh for a while now, I'd say the majority of people here consider the kilt to be their national dress, for the whole of Scotland and not just for the Highlands.

[kiltedjoss]

CMcG, I am slow, and it it takes me a long time to form my opinions.
It has been these threads and discussions that have led me to be thankful that my country has no singular national attire.

Americans may not have a national attire as we are from many nations. We do have American things; blue jeans, hot dogs, baseball and apple pie.

[Blackrose87]

Americans may not have a national attire as we are from many nations. We do have American things; blue jeans, hot dogs, baseball and apple pie.

Isn't every country made up all many nations though? Even here there is a large amount of immigration from eastern Europe, India, China to name a few.
And of course there are 2nd, 3rd etc. generation Irish and English immigrants.