wearing kilts in Scotland

[Colin Cameron]

I need some advice. I’m planning a trip to Scotland (our first) with my wife this summer, and I’m looking for input. How commonly are kilts worn on a day-to-day basis? I’ve gotten the impression that kilts are worn mostly for formal or celebratory occasions – full-on tartan kilts, anyway. Anyone know if this is the case? What about casual-type kilts, a la Utilikilts and the like?

I’ve been wearing Utilikilts for a couple of years, and am contemplating taking one on my travels. I’m not concerned with being “out of place” so much as coming across as a stupid (or perhaps patronizing) American who thinks all Scotsmen wear kilts and doesn’t know any better.

Any thoughts?

[Freelander Sporrano]

Hi Colin,

Welcome to Xmarks. To Answer your question. I was in Scotland two years ago and will be visiting again this year.

The only kilts that I saw where a piper outside Edinburgh Castle and a couple of tour guides and a handfull of Soldiers. There was also a wedding in progress in the chapel there too.

Other than that it was a pipe band in Oban and a lone piper outside a MacDonalds in Inverness.

I heard someone say that if you see a man in a kilt he'll no doubt be a tourist.Having said that it won't stop me wearing my kilts in Scotland this summer.There are a few Scottish board members here so maybe they can give you their angle on it.

One other thing is I've met many Scots while kilted and never once have I had a bad reaction. The first time was at the "Eagles Nest" in Germany. Nothing but positive remarks and "I wish I'd worn mine" comment.

As regards a Utilikilt I can't answer that one maybe Hamish can help you there.

I hope this helps in some way.

What ever happens Have fun.

[Phil Wright]

Depends when you are planning your visit. During August/early September the Edinburgh Festival is on. You will see far stranger sights related to the plays and performances and street theatre so I doubt your kilt would be noticed at all!
It seems a pity that people in the UK are so rigid in their views about conformity. You'd have thought Scots would appreciate others wearing kilts, but unless it's to the football, sadly, my experience has been that there are few and far between.
Phil

[philibeg]

Sadly, I must confirm that the Scots have a love hate relationship with the kilt. "The only people who wear kilts are Americans" is a comment I got from a disgruntled Scot, "we won't be seen dead in a kilt". As well I have recieved nasty catcalls from a builder, and on Sauchiehall Street a big young bloke who came up to me and hissed in my ear "You just like wearing a dress, don't you?". So my experiences in Scotland (except for the female admiration/kilt-lifting ) have not been great. That said, on rugby or football days the streets are jammed with kilted Scots, and there are groups in Glasgow and Edinburgh to promote the kilt; they organize ceilidhs and walking tours....don't let the mixed feelings of the Scots for their national dress stop you though, I didn't....

[highlander_Daz]

In the lowlands like Glasgow and Edinburgh most time you wont see a great deal of people in Kilts, however In the Highlands like Inverness and Aberdeen the kilt is worn more often. someplaces almost exclusively
weddings /football/rugby is the main excuse for donning the kilt, most Scots dont own Kilts , and most hire when its time to wear one.

[Silverlake_Punk]

Me and my girlfriend were in Edinburgh last March, and we're planning another trip for this September. The last trip was before I had worked up the guts to don a kilt, so this will be my first time kilted outside of Los Angeles.

Last year, we spent a few days in London and ended with four days in Edinburgh, but this time we’re sticking to Scotland and want to see as much of the country as we can. We’re thinking of maybe even going as far north as the Orkney Islands. So… any suggestions? Where to go? What not to miss?

This is what I'm using to do my research:

“Xenophobe’s Guide To The Scots,” David Sutherland Ross
Scotland For Dummies
The Fodor’s Guide to Scotland
“In Search of Ancient Scotland,” Gerald & Dorothy Ruzicki
“Fleshmarket Alley,” Ian Rankin (crime fiction… not really research, but good fun!)

Also, anyone have suggestions as to good flight deals? Right now it seems like Aer Lingus has the best prices.

Steve

[Uncle Ricky]

most Scots dont own Kilts , and most hire when its time to wear one.

Maybe they are too froogle to spend the money?

Cheers

[MACKAY]

... most Scots dont own Kilts , and most hire when its time to wear one.

So you are basically saying it is the same as renting formal wear in the US. You go to a Tux Rental Company and hire your tux for the event. Not many people own tuxes, but a lot of people rent them!

Brian

[MacHummel]

Well I think it's just a choice .I was there in the summer for a wedding in Loch Lommand at the Cameron House and walking around I didn't notice to many folks in kilts except for the wedding guests of course but before the wedding on Canada Day I had on a denim kilt that I made and it seemed to go over well it didn't surprise anyone really the only comment I got was oh denim interesting is it 8 yards or 4 yards. So if your happy wearing you kilt casually go for .
MacHummel

[mono]

Well,I have just spent a week in the Highlands and Inverness area.I wore my kilt most days and perhaps got a few strange looks - but these were all from local people. Other tourists were more positive,even asking for a photo!
The only other kilted folks were staff in the various Highland Outfiters?kilt shops,and some of them frowned at my inexpensive but complete casual outfit! On my way home I met a couple of kilted Irishmen,but i was in trousers that day!