Burns Night 2020

[SeanPaul]

Hi all.

This is my first post and I would like some information please.

I am of Irish heritage and have an Irish kilt.

I was wondering could I or can I wear it for Burns Night by any chance, or is it only Scottish/Highland wear allowed? And does the Irish kilt come under Highland wear? Or again is it just the Scottish kilt's that are Highland wear.

Thank you in advance on any advice.

All the best

Sean.

[Father Bill]

Well... Rabbie was a lowlander, and probably never owned a kilt in his life, so....

[FossilHunter]

I doubt anyone will bat an eye at an Irish tartan kilt at a burns supper. It's more likely that few would recognize the tartan anyway.

Now a saffron kilt would stand out more but I don't think anyone would find it objectionable in the slightest.

[Rhaco]

I'd be real surprised if anyone noticed. I've never worn anything but Scottish tartans to Irish events and never heard word one, with the exception of people honestly inquiring what the origin of the tartan was. Someone might be slightly more likely to notice at a Burns Night, but you're miles ahead for having even thought of it. Just figure out your answer ahead of time e.g. "this is my family tartan, so it's what I chose to wear," or even just saying "this is my only kilt," I've always worn my band kilt to stuff like burns night and "I like the colors and wanted to represent my pipe band," has always cut muster for me. Ultimately the kilt police have a lot to do that night, so they'll probably miss you entirely.

I've never not played Scotland the Brave on St Patrick's day, and I usually toss in Burns' Set just for fun. I can count on zero hands how often it has come up.

[Cameron of Texas]

I'm wearing my Kennedy modern kilt to R Burns night because It better compliments my grey Argyle jacket and its a heavier weave, more appropriate for cool weather. I can't remember if it's technically an Irish tartan, but the Kennedys overall have a stronger connection to Ireland than Scotland. I doubt anyone in attendance will give a flip

[imbrius]

I'm wearing Armstrong Ancient.

The Armstrongs were borderers and, as such, likely never wore kilts, likely disliked (and probably robbed and murdered) kilt-wearers, and didn't have a tartan of their own (they wore a border check, a.k.a. Burns check). The "Armstrong" tartan was an invention of the Sobieski Stewarts in the Vestarium Scoticum.

On the one hand, recognizing the border families is cool because Burns was one. On the other hand, I find it hilarious given the historical facts.