Scottish outlook on kilted Americans?

[Ian.MacAllan]

. . . To answer your question, no we certainly don't look down on North Americans or any other non-Scots wearing the kilt. On the contrary, almost all Scots are proud to see their culture being celebrated, whether as part of the vistor's personal heritage or whether the visitor simply likes Scotland.

. . . Scots are very happy for the tartan to be worn by Americans for many possible good reasons provided the tail does not come to wag the dog. The kilt is Scotland's National Dress!

The several Scots I have met while kilted have all been most graciously complimentary. Some have been a bit disappointed that I am an American---they hoped I would prove to be a brother Scot. A couple of the women were profoundly grateful to see a man in a kilt for the first time since they had left Scotland.

This past election day, as I stood in line at my polling place, a man sidled up behind me and in a Scottish accent said, "Kilty kilty cold bum---kilty kilty cold bum !"* It took me about 40 seconds to recall Major Sinclair's response, and then I brandished my walking stick and replied with a broad grin, "I'll warm your bum!" He laughed, and we had a very pleasant conversation for the ten minutes or so before we reached the head of the line.

In the five years that I have been kilted daily the only adverse comments I've received have been from high school boys rapidly accelerating away from me. That's my reward for living about 1/3 mile from a high school.


*Tunes of Glory, Alec Guinness and John Mill

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