Wearing the Kilt in Scotland

**just4fun63** · 20th October 17, 02:41 PM

Good day all,
My wife and I are planning a trip to Scotland next year and I was looking for some advice on wearing my Kilt while there. How is it looked on for a Yank tourist to be wearing the Kilt. Our trip may involve a few formal dinners and teas. I would like to be dressed appropriately for the occasion. I want to wear it every day if possible, both casual and dress.

Your opinions are appreciated.

**Steve Ashton** · 20th October 17, 03:18 PM

The only other person I have ever seen wearing a kilt in Scotland were tourists, the street buskers for the tourists, one kiltmaker and other X Marks members.

**Terry Searl** · 20th October 17, 03:28 PM

I have a couple of very dear older friends in Scotland, from Glasgow and the Ayrshire coast, so they are not Highlanders. I once suggested that on a visit I was going to wear my kilt when I got off the plane, and both said they wouldn't pick me up at the airport then. I asked why, and they said Kilt wearing is not the norm and certainly not in the Lowlands ......One asked what would be my thoughts on them getting off the plane wearing Plains first nations ceremonial dress...I do understand what they meant from that remark....I guess wearing a kilt is much more acceptable in Canada then in the lowlands of Scotland. They both said for significant events it is acceptable but not for just wearing every day. Wearing a kilt in the highlands may be a very different level of acceptability though.

**ThistleDown** · 20th October 17, 07:05 PM

Lots of tourists wear the kilt in Scotland. Lots of natives wear the kilt for special occasions (weddings, drinks-events, and the like). Lots of Highland Scots wear the kilt more often. You probably won't be where they are because Highlanders are not out there visiting historic sites such as Culloden, unless they work there. In the years that I worked at Culloden I was always kilted. You will see very few in either Highland or Lowland cities unless they are Highland outfitters or tourists. But...ignore all the naysayers and wear your kilt for those special occasions you refer to and, if you wish, wear it any other time, too. Just take care how you wear it, it is our national dress and there are proper and improper ways.

**just4fun63** · 20th October 17, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by ThistleDown

Just take care how you wear it, it is our national dress and there are proper and improper ways.

Glad to know native Scots won't be bothered by my wearing the Kilt. I always try to wear it correctly, and with pride.

**ThistleDown** · 20th October 17, 08:23 PM

Good. Leave the scrunched hose, big stick and wide hat at home and you will be just fine.

Have a super holiday. Where are you planning on going -- and when?

**Richrail** · 20th October 17, 08:41 PM

My wife and I are planning a vacation to Scotland next year also, 2 1/2 weeks at the end of May.

**just4fun63** · 20th October 17, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by ThistleDown

Good. Leave the scrunched hose, big stick and wide hat at home and you will be just fine.

Have a super holiday. Where are you planning on going -- and when?

That picture was at the end of a 5 mile hike. One of my PV kilts that I wear for hikes and heavy outdoor activities. I would be wearing my "tank" in MacEwan ancient from Geoffrey (Taylor) on the trip.
We haven't set dates yet, it will be our first time. Considering a tour type trip, hit a lot of tourist places and decide where we want to spend more time next trip.

**Jock Scot** · 22nd October 17, 12:22 AM

Originally Posted by just4fun63

Glad to know native Scots won't be bothered by my wearing the Kilt. I always try to wear it correctly, and with pride.

Be careful! I can recall three members here who have met(on separate occasions) some of the home team who are not impressed by others wearing the kilt here and at another occasion at one of THE world renowned golf courses here, where one xmarks member was asked not to play whilst wearing the kilt, apparently trousers of some sort were required(I wonder if shorts are OK?). On this particular occasion it didn't matter who was wearing the kilt! Now these events are uncommon, but there are just a few places where I would not wear the kilt in Scotland. Most Scots are far too polite to venture an opinion out loud on this matter, however they will almost certainly have an opinion, even if its not voiced.

Just saying.

**Kiltedjohn** · 22nd October 17, 10:28 AM

In my experience, very few people wear the kilt on a daily basis, though over the years I have known a few.

I did wear a kilt for a week while in Edinburgh recently. I do like wearing it, so took the opportunity while I was in my native country. No negative comments, though I was mistaken for a tour guide a couple of times!