Quote Originally Posted by Frank McGrath View Post
I kind of wish that I had never posted. I got a few civil answers, then the thread got hijacked to Texas. Things were said that should not have been. We are supposed to be gentlemen and ladies on this site. I guess that is why I don't post much any more. Whatever happened to civility?The reason I posted in the first place is because I read a thread that the poster said he had a dislike for "foreigners coming into the country. I was planning a trip to Scotland in late summer. I have to wonder if I should go where I'm not wanted. Maybe we will go back to Germany. Now there is a country that welcomes foreigners.
Frank
Frank,

Ignore the hijacks and focus on those who have responded to your original post. If you wear a proper traditional tartan kilt to which you can at least explain a love if not an actual family connection, with proper accoutrements (decent shoes, hose, flashes, sporran, and attractive upper body wear) and wear the kilt with dignity and pride, you should have no issues or concerns travelling around virtually all of Scotland. Obviously there may be some areas of the big cities to avoid, but then you would probably avoid them in streetclothes as well for the same reason, not just the kilt. Most scots will either ignore you and your kilt, notice you and maybe smile, or may come up and question you about with genuine interest---what tartan, what is the occasion if any, are you a piper, etc... You will be a tourist no matter what you wear, and as soon as you open your mouth, possibly before then depending on your dress, folks will know that and treat you as a tourist. Some folks like tourists (shops, etc...), some folks don't like tourists, and some folks couldn't give a rap about tourists, so you will likely get a mixture of comments just based on being a tourist. Being a kilted tourist, if done appropriately, will bring a few more looks and a few more questions, will probably entail some other tourists asking you for directions or to have a picture taken with you, might even get you a free drink at a bar or restaurant. But mostly you will be treated as a tourist anyway, and in my experience (9 consecutive kilted days in Scotland, Edinburgh and the Grampian Highlands) generally treated well. A lot of folks will actually appreciate your kilt wearing, if done properly and with dignity, style, and general adherence to Scots highland "code". But if you wear it poorly or disrespectfully be prepared to get some variably minor to serious insult comments. Either way you will stick out as a tourist, but if properly kilted and in kit you will be fine and have a grand time.

If you post here in advance where you expect to vist, and when you expect to be there, as Chris said, you will likely get some invites from members of this forum in those areas to meet for a wee drink or six. Relax, enjoy the trip, you will have fun and love the scenery, except for the tat shops.

jeff