Hello—in full disclosure as an American Indian I have no direct Scottish heritage, although I’ve always been fascinated by Celtic culture—before it became more Christianized there were many commonalities with Native American culture. Actually, some of my Pueblo (and Hopi) Indian relatives traditionally wear what anthropologists call a “kilt” but it’s embroidered rather than having the designs woven in. The reason I’ve joined is because I’m a NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author—which just means a number of people tend to read what I write. Next month I’m going to be in an anthology on Scottish Romance (and if some of you roll your eyes over being a romance writer—it pays all my bills, lol). This is timed to an American TV series that’s started airing based on the novel “The Outlander” where a WW2 British nurse “falls through time” and ends up in the 18th century where she’s found by her Scottish husband’s relatives. Our upcoming anthology also has a fantasy theme.

Personally I know how frustrating it is when someone with little familiarity of Native American Culture doesn’t do any research and just churns something out from his or her imagination. Just so, when I’m writing about another culture I do a lot of research to make sure what I write is respectful and doesn’t promote misinformation. I’ve found some of the threads on here very helpful. However as others have mentioned, some of the source material is vague and confusing.

For example—I’d really appreciate it if someone could clarify wearing a sgian-dubh? I see on some sites they’re sold with a sheath. Is it traditional to simply wear them tucked into the top of your hose as is, or is it more standard to put it into a sheath and then stuff the whole thing into your hose? I read through one of the threads about wearing them but I’m still unclear if a sheath is mandatory.

I’m also puzzled over women’s traditional clothing. I’m aware that in more modern times Scottish women started adapting a Highland Dance skirt that was/is a modification of a man’s kilt. But if you’re not a female Highland Dancer, would a modified man’s kilt still be worn or would it be more likely she’d wear something that reflects the older and “cover the ankle” sort of dress? The older thread on women in kilts doesn’t really help me in what I need in my writing. I have a contemporary female character who lives in Edinburgh but has returned to her remote community in the Highlands where the people are participating in a very traditional Fest. Since she’s not a Highland Dancer—do you have suggestions of how to describe what an attractive young woman would wear to a traditional formal event when she’s not a Dancer, a Piper, or Royalty?

And also—do contemporary people in Scotland use the term Cairngorm stone or would they just call it a crystal or a jewel (obviously this relates to a stone actually having been taken from that area—but does calling it a “Cairngorm stone” sound old-fashioned, or a term that’s too geographically specific)?

I really appreciate anyone sharing their wisdom and experience—
Skye Eagleday
PS—like many authors, my choice of covers is limited to images I can purchase the copyright to use. There isn’t nearly as large a choice of “Cover” quality men in kilts as I’d like. The avatar I’m using is from the cover of one of my books that reflects what I have to work with. If I can figure out how to post an image on this site I’ll share what our upcoming cover looks like if anyone is interested. I do wonder if folks who regularly wear kilts look at some book covers and snicker…