Upcoming Holiday in Scotland and England

[RAF]

Hello gents (and ladies,)
I'm ecstatic to say that a long awaited trip to the UK is happening soon!
The three week itinerary includes Glasgow, Skye, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and London (in that order.) Time of year: mid-May through early June.
I'm curious to hear from members (in the UK especially, or those that have travelled there) about their personal perspectives on others (Americans) wearing the kilt while traveling in Scotland and England.
As I am trying to pack as economically and light as possible, do you think the kilt is a practical choice?
I don't expect to look like a local (especially since I often hear that locals only wear their kilts on special occasions, if at all) but I don't want to appear a hubristic American.
The idea of kilted hiking on Skye sounds glorious, and admittedly appeals to a romantic(?) side of me. I'm comfortable wearing my kilt to work and about town (Boston and Cape Cod,) but am now realizing, ironically, that I feel conflicted about kilting in the UK. Weird.
Anyway, give me your two cents (nickel maximum.)

[Derek]

I wouldnt over think about it to much ... simply 'go for it' and wear your cilt/kilt ... you will be fine. There have been loads of posts and threads over the years here on x marks of a similar nature and the replies to this thread will be varied as well no doubt.
You may well have a few glances and even a few comments on your travels (good and bad), but that is par for the course if you don the kilt.
At the end of the day if you would like to wear you kilt while on holiday in the UK ... wear it ...
Iechyd Da
Derek

[Grizzly]

RAF

First let me say that you are going to some great locations, so I am sure you will have a fantastic time.
As for bringing your kilt I say do it if you want to. Wear it with respect and mostly you will be fine.

On the other hand. You will find that you are the only person kilted, unless passing through lochaber you chance upon our own Jock Scot. But even Jock my be on a non kilt day. Expect to be mobbed by tourists wanting a photo with you. They don't care that your not Scottish , they just want a picture of a man in a kilt. Also beware the locals who with a sly smile and a roll of their eyes think " oh no not another pretend Scot" . Prepare to be stared at, again by tourists. All this happens above say Loch Lomond in the Highlands. To the south of Loch Lomond is Glasgow, you will be a brave man to wear a kilt there. You will stick out like a lost American tourist. Edinburgh you may get away with it as there are so many tourist tat shops selling cheap kilts and souvenirs. There are a few quality shops which are worth a browse though.

It is unusual to see someone kilted over here, unless they work in a "Scottish" shop, or tourist related industry or if you pass by a wedding party or attend a Highland games.

Is it worth bringing your kilt to Scotland? Yes if you don't mind being stared at, photographed, smirked at, pointed at by other tourists but I have worn my kilt in Scotland and would I do it again. Absolutely and ya boo sucks to anyone that doesn't like it.

[Jock Scot]

Good advice above. My only addition is to suggest that you wear the kilt as per the Scots instruction book , not the "rest of the World" instruction book, it will be appreciated. Have fun.

[neloon]

Good advice above. My only addition is to suggest that you wear the kilt as per the Scots instruction book , not the "rest of the World" instruction book, it will be appreciated. Have fun.

***
Alan

[Grizzly]

Good advice above. My only addition is to suggest that you wear the kilt as per the Scots instruction book , not the "rest of the World" instruction book, it will be appreciated. Have fun.

100% *** .

[McClef]

They will also want to know if you have your bagpipes with you!

Seriously though I would recommend you do bring a kilt because if you don't you will regret it once you arrive.

[cessna152towser]

There is a saying here in Scotland that is a kilt is a garment which Scots wear while visiting America and which Americans wear while visiting Scotland. Not quite true as you will see plenty of Scots wearing their kilts on a Saturday either formally for weddings or casually for sporting fixtures.
I wear a kilt regularly here in Scotland and away from my home town in other parts of Scotland I have often been mistaken for an American tourist, but have not had any negative responses.
Last Saturday I visited a town in Yorkshire which I had not been to for several years. Last time I was there I felt a bit self conscious about my kilt as I was on the receiving end of a few stares and a couple of racist anti-Scottish comments and never saw another kilted person all day. On Saturday, against my partner's wishes I chose not to wear a kilt to go there, and yes you've guessed it, we had two separate kilt sightings in that town and my partner rubbing it in that I was not wearing mine.
By all means though, please do wear your kilt while in Scotland, you will get plenty of compliments and almost all Scots are flattered to see traditional highland dress adopted by others.

[Tobus]

Good advice above. My only addition is to suggest that you wear the kilt as per the Scots instruction book , not the "rest of the World" instruction book, it will be appreciated. Have fun.

Hopefully you mean the Traditional Highland Civilian Dress instruction book, not the "other" Scots instruction book that's used by the Tartan Army.

[Jock Scot]

Hopefully you mean the Traditional Highland Civilian Dress instruction book, not the "other" Scots instruction book that's used by the Tartan Army.

I have to confess that I did forget the TA! OK, how could I!!

Actually and to be clear, I was not thinking tweeds etc. although that might be nice to do, on occasion. I was thinking of kilt(tartan) at about top of the knee height, no flat cap, hose pulled up, sensible shoes and no T shirts. More like, pullovers(sweaters) and midge repellent perhaps?