Should I bring my kilt?

**cck** · 2nd April 12, 09:53 AM

My wife and I will be in the Edinburgh area for about 8 days in August. We like to travel with only carry-on luggage, so I have to pack conservatively. I would like to bring my kilt, but don't want to be considered as a crazy American and be dressed inappropriately. I am looking for advice.

**cessna152towser** · 2nd April 12, 10:05 AM

Yes of course bring your kilt when you come to Scotland.
I live in Scotland and wear a kilt most days.
Wearing a kilt casually you will blend in well in the Edinburgh crowd, its all the fancy bits like wearing long garter ties and a cap with five feathers in it that would make you stand out as American.
The kilt is a very comfortable garment in which to travel on a Trans-Atlantic flight and wearing it for travel helps keep down the weight of your luggage.
You won't need to bring an Argyle or Prince Charlie jacket or Ghillie Brogues unless you intend to wear your kilt on a more formal night out.

**Jock Scot** · 2nd April 12, 10:28 AM

Yes you probably will be considered to be a crazy American. Bring your kilt by all means, we are a free country after all.

**McClef** · 2nd April 12, 10:33 AM

Of course you should and if your wear it for the flight you won't need to pack it and it won't count as part of your cabin weight allowance.

**gordontaos** · 2nd April 12, 11:08 AM

I frequently fly with my kilt on, and find it to be very comfortable.

**creagdhubh** · 2nd April 12, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Yes you probably will be considered to be a crazy American. Bring your kilt by all means, we are a free country after all.

Hahaha! When I am in Scotland, I immediately get away from the noise and clatter of the bigger cities and head straight for the central Highlands and then proceed to properly hide at my great-uncle's house in Kingussie so none of the locals realise there is a 'crazy American in their midst!' Hahahaha!

You'll be just fine, mate. As long as you don't go all 'Braveheart,' 'Rob Roy,' or 'Harry Lauder' in the streets of Edinburgh, then you'll be alright. I've posted a few examples of a portion of my Highland day attire below - from the relaxed/very casual with various woolen jumpers, to 'proper' and traditional Highland day attire featuring various tweeds, wool bonnets and silk neck ties.

Enjoy,

**Really a McQueen** · 2nd April 12, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Yes you probably will be considered to be a crazy American. Bring your kilt by all means, we are a free country after all.

Of course, the locals might consider you a crazy American, even if you were wearing a wool sweater and slacks.

**Jock Scot** · 3rd April 12, 01:13 AM

Originally Posted by Really a McQueen

Of course, the locals might consider you a crazy American, even if you were wearing a wool sweater and slacks.

America does not have the monopoly on crazy people you know! Even Inverness-shire has an example or two, Jeff

**Blackrose87** · 2nd April 12, 11:15 AM

IMO if you're going around Edinburgh in a kilt, people will automatically assume you're an American.
But is that really a bad thing? If you want to wear a kilt, wear it! Begrudgers be damned!

**Grizzly** · 2nd April 12, 11:43 AM

IMHO if you wear a kilt in Scotland everyone will know you are a tourist. However, even though I am from south of the border I wore my kilt in Scotland and all the other tourists just wanted their picture taken with a "Scot" the fact that I have a west country accent matters not a jot. Wear your kilt, you only have to justify it to yourself. But be prepared to have your photo taken numerous times.