Here's my little story.
First experience of the kilt was at the wedding of my Uncle Roderick and Aunt Jennifer. I was about 7, my brother about 5 and we were kitted out (quite smartly) in simple boy's kilts and jackets. No frills. To my chagrin the wedding photographer used a photo of my brother and myself in his store window, to advertise his prowess. Alas, his shop was located on one of the busier street corners in Glasgow city centre, so yuo can imagine my embarrassment every time we passed it on the bus! the photo seemed to be on display for years!


Jump forward some 30 kiltless years, time for my own matrimonials to take place. Now, I had become somewhat anti-kilt in the intervening years, for a few reasons: I felt the kilt (meaning the traditional tartan kilt, for I knew not of the modern versions) was an invented tradition, did not relate to my past, and had some unfortunate associations with boorish behaviour of sports "Fans".

Nevertheless, my wife to be suggested that I try on a kilt, as she thought it might look good for our wedding. Being of sound mind and wishing to remain able-bodied, I agred to try one on, thinking that would be the end of it. To this end we took along our 7yr old daughter for a third opinion, and visited the rental department at Alex Scott kiltmakers, Aberdeen. The shop was rather busy so we had to wait a short while, so I had a look around the shop. finally my turn came, and I was presented with an Prince Charlie outfit to try on. I listened carefully to the instructions as to how to don this fearsome woolen thing, retired to the changing booth and clad myself. I drew back the curtains and Amber (our daughter) said "Daddy you look fantastic" - out of the mouths of babes and childen!

That decided, we arranged the details of which tartan to select for the rental for the actual ceremony, paid and departed. I was now in a more positive frame of mind to wards the kilt, which was crystallised when I wore it on the day, it felt wonderful. Not a moment's discomfort during the whole, long, magical day.

This had started the wheels in motion in my wee heid. I couldn't help but keep thinking how smart I had felt, and oddly, that I had also felt more connected to my family by wearing a traditional garment. I did a lot of research on the kilt, both traditional and modern. Finally I could hesitate no longer and returned once again to Alex Scott Kiltmaker, to discuss ordering an outfit. I was expertly advised and assisted by the excellent staff, and within an hour had placed my order. Now I only had to exercise a little patience, as I would have to wait six weeks until it could be completed.

The days dragged by, became weeks, and finally I had the phone call - your kilt is ready for collection - almost a week early! Joy of joys!

For a few months I wore the kilt obsessively at home, and even out on a few special occasions, shopping trips, taking Amebr to school, but married life was causing my waistline to swell, and soon I outgrew the kilt.

Bear with me as we scroll forward a couple of years to the present. I had not lost my interest in a kilted life in the meantime, rather I had become interested in modern versions, specifically the Utilikilt. At last, a sale, a kilt in my size and the favourable exchange rate combined to permit the purchase of a Workman's. I placed the order which arrived within a week. Under 7 days from Seattle to Scotland, that is impressive, as is the garment.

Having been accustomed to the storage limitations of the trad kilt it has been a revelation to have pockets, belt clips etc - all in all a most practical garment.

So, you may ask yourself, what is my take on the arguments about traditional vs modern, heritage etc? I say wear what you like, how you like and whenever you damn well please - as long as you grant others the same freedom of choice!

Ainslie