Quote Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome View Post
Historically, people did all kinds of rugged, rural and outdoor things in the kilt. It was their day-to-day clothing, after all. Today, people generally do not, as Jock and others have pointed out. Not that there is anything intrinsic in the kilt itself that makes it unsuitable for such persuits. But the kilt has a different place now in the culture and traditions of the Highlands than it did in the past. That's the main point I would make.
I'll not differ with you on the origin of the kilt, Matt, or on the fact that in parts of the Highlands it may at one time have been everyday wear for all males, but I will say that Ansdell, Landseer and most of the other Victoria painters were not portaying Highland life as it was in the middle of the 19C when they were painting. With respect, it serves no point to include their paintings in this thread other than to further the myth of 19C kilt-wearing in the Highlands. I am sorry, but yes there is something intrinsically wrong with the kilt that makes it unsuitable for some pursuits today: it has been superseded by other and more suitable materials and garments.