Scotland Vacation and Kilts

**andyfg** · 28th August 09, 06:49 AM

We recently returned from a wonderful vacation in Scotland—a week of gorgeous scenery, history, good food and the odd dram! We stayed in Oban and went for a few trips to Mull and Iona, Inverarry, the Trossachs, Glencoe etc. It was a coach trip and our driver was quite knowledgeable about history and folklore. It was great to reconnect with the country. The last time I was in Scotland was in 1995 when I held a bursory at Glasgow University.

Kilted sightings? The piper at Gretna. The piper at Inverarry. A pipe band in Oban. Two kilted chaps on the ferry to Mull (one traditionally day-wear, the other in a great kilt, not worn as a costume but as an everyday kilt with jacket and boots), a few salesmen in gift stores. Other than that no kilts.

On the days I wore a kilt I received less "attention" than I do in the USA, though I thought I detected a few more embarrassed looks (the one where folk look at you, look at the kilt, and quickly look away). That surprised me a little.

One difference was that all the gift shops now sell £55.00 none-wool kilts, though I didn't see any on bodies!

So a couple of pics:

Kilted in Oban:

Oban sunset:

**bchunter** · 28th August 09, 07:01 AM

Glad you had a grand time. Post more pics!

**ziggy** · 28th August 09, 07:03 AM

From what I gather from the scots on this website, the kilt is more seen a dress item for eveneing or formal wear in Scotland, and pipers. Generally you will see people wearing it casually, but in the same way you would in North America. There aren't more because it's Scotland from what I gather.

Personally I will be travelling to Scotland later this year, and do plan on brining and wearing my kilt. Regardless of what current trends in scottish fashion are, it will add to the spirit of it for me, as I am sure it did for you too!

Also I wish to go to Oban, try their scotch, I hear it's special...I haven't had the pleasure yet.

**Jock Scot** · 28th August 09, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by ziggy

From what I gather from the scots on this website, the kilt is more seen a dress item for eveneing or formal wear in Scotland, and pipers. Generally you will see people wearing it casually, but in the same way you would in North America. There aren't more because it's Scotland from what I gather.

Personally I will be travelling to Scotland later this year, and do plan on brining and wearing my kilt. Regardless of what current trends in scottish fashion are, it will add to the spirit of it for me, as I am sure it did for you too!

Also I wish to go to Oban, try their scotch, I hear it's special...I haven't had the pleasure yet.

One of the reasons I don't wear the kilt more often is that I am sick sorry and tired of having my picture taken and I am not alone with those thoughts.

I have made a lifetime study of whisky and I will need at least another lifetime to finish the job! Have fun when you visit and I know for a certain fact that you will enjoy yourself here.

**andyfg** · 28th August 09, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by ziggy

Also I wish to go to Oban, try their scotch, I hear it's special...I haven't had the pleasure yet.

The Oban distillery tour is great. You learn a lot, get a very nice free glass and a chance to taste the malt. Very nice! Tour cost was £7.95 but well worth it.

**GMan** · 28th August 09, 08:49 AM

Sounds and looks like a good trip.

**Jock Scot** · 28th August 09, 07:03 AM

I am delighted that you had a good time here. The kilt sightings sound about right to me. Any more pictures?

**Jimmy** · 28th August 09, 07:06 AM

Glad you enjoyed your tour of Scotland, when the weather is good, the scenery is fantastic.
I agree withn you that you always get people looking at you in a kilt, looking at the kilt then looking away, I'm not sure that I would call this an embarassed look, people just like to look at kilties and certainly in Scotland, the kilt is well received and all wearers are well respected. Scots love to see people in kilts but really the kilt in Scotland is still weekend wear at parties, formal gatherings etc but believe me the number of Scots who have and now own a kilt is quite high per head of population and this will be evident in Glasgow next weekend when Scotland play Macedonia in a World Cup qualifying match, you will not get moving for the Tartan Army in the city and also in most towns throughout Scotland where the game is televised live.