Even in the Hebrides

[Jock Scot]

That had crossed my mind, but I did note that not all the tuxedo shirts matched and that they weren't all wearing the same kilt, two tell-tale signs of rental rigs. There is also a fair diversity among the sporrans. Maybe I'll send him a not on fb and ask if they hired their kit or owned it.

Either way, this is a family of Gaelic speakers who are from the Highlands and Islands and who are connected to the traditional music scene. I think it would be safe to say that they had exposure to how the kilt is worn is Scotland.

Unless there's a particular kilting aesthetic that is peculiar to a certain class or demographic of landed gentry and estate owners that the common rabble just doesn't understand...

Looking at your last paragraph, I think that there is something very pertinant contained within. I am struggling with my words here as I do not want to give the wrong impression, I am also trying to minimise the "class aspect" although it is true that it did exist, it is more the "experianced in kilt wearing" as opposed to the "new entrant kilt-wearer". Which generally meant an availability of surplus income for those that owned kilt attire and for those who hired kilt attire for the weekend, because------. Well, it was still a lot less expensive than buying a suit and more fun!

From my recollection, which I touched on in my earlier post here, the hiring of kilt attire began to arrive in the late 1960's, early 1970's. Those that already had kilts were well versed in kilt attire traditions and those that decided to venture into kilt attire probably started with kilt hire with little or no kilt attire know how. We do also need to remember that there were no cheap kilts available in those days, military kilts were worn by serving and retired military men and besides there was(still is) the thought that only "their" Clan tartan would do. Presumably those not wearing "their" clan tartan were/ are happy to do so?

So an ideal climate for the hire firms to thrive with this new enthusiasm for kilts and of course those new to kilt wearing were advised by the hire companies and others that frankly knew no better. To those that knew the form, a black tie and a PC worn to a wedding(daytime in the UK) was a major break with tradition. To those who had no tradition in kilt wearing went along with the advice being given by the hire companies. And the hire companies laughed all the way to the bank with selling/hiring the same black tie, PC,kilt, hose, for both day events(weddings) and formal evening wear. As Phil has so ably pointed out in his post most Scots are not really bothered with the details and frankly why should they? They are presumably happy with what they do and those that are aware of the more traditional way of dressing in the kilt are an ever shrinking minority.