Is visiting Scotland a "special" occasion?

[Mark Stephenson]

My wife and I will be joining 4 other couples in September 2012 for a 15 -day tour of the "Highlands and Islands". This will be our first visit to Scotland. Recently, there have been several threads that have discussed why those of us of Scottish heritage wear the kilt, and why you don't see Scots often wearing their kilt. In general, it seems most Scots wear the kilt on "special" occasions. I fully intend to bring a kilt (tweed jacket, etc) and wear it on some occasions. If asked if there is a "special" occasion, I would say that my visit to see my Great Great Grandparent's homeland is a VERY special occasion to me. So, perhaps to those who confess to not understanding why Americans would wear a kilt in Scotland, just consider it a "special" occasion.
p.s. In deference to our dear friend Jock, I promise not to wear a flat cap. <grin>

[Jock Scot]

I am sure---no wrong word! I know that you will be made very welcome and I am absolutely confident that you will have a great time-----in spite of the midgies and the rain!

If you venture up to the Great Glen and should you wish to, I would be delighted to meet you all.

[Mark Stephenson]

Jock,
I would count it as a high point of my vist to be able to meet you and buy you a drink. As the event draws nearer, I'll be glad to let you know our agenda and see if that is possible.
Re rain: We've had about 50 inches since early Spring, but today it is sunny and glorious here!

[Phil]

I would be delighted to see you all wearing kilts. It would be a refreshing change from the standard of dress adopted by your compatriots just a few short years ago. Thankfully the "LOUD" shorts, shirts and baseball caps seem to have fallen from fashion and been replaced by an altogether more congenial type of dress. The loud expletives too seem to have disappeared so wearing kilts is indeed a welcome change and one that everyone here will appreciate. After all we hardly ever get to see them otherwise.

[Mark Stephenson]

Phil,
Re your comment: "...we hardly ever get to see them otherwise":
That reminds me of what happened to me at Christmas Eve church service last year. I wore a kilt and tweed jacket to the service. After the service an elderly lady came up to me. She had a tear in her eye. She was from Scotland, but had moved here many, many years ago. She said she couldn't remember the last time she saw a man in a kilt and it warmed her heart. After she said that, we both wer choked up.

[Phil]

I do hope you wear your kilts as I know they will genuinely be appreciated here.

[Mark Stephenson]

Your encouragement is appreciated. Sometimes a few negative comments can have a disproportionate negative impact.

[ForresterModern]

I do hope you wear your kilts as I know they will genuinely be appreciated here.

I would concur with that as I was kilted all but one day out of 21 in two separate trips and recieved nothing but compliments, smiles, waves, requests for pictures from foreign tourists (especially orientals for some reason), and several times was stopped and asked to provide directions to various hotels or sites. The best was the reception recieved in the various hotels, B&Bs, and restaurants and bars. One lady even asked if she could pet my skunk (sporran, that is). Generally cordial folk.

jeff

[chrisupyonder]

My wife and I have just returned from 6 weeks touring the highlands full time kilted.

I received the following comments.

From 3 or 4 shop keepers in small local shops.... What is your tartan?

Twice in tourist information centres... Several people thought I was staff.

From an old lady serving in a small gift shop... Its nice to see someone wearing their kilt at the correct length, at the top of the kneecap and not covering the knees like the local young ones wear them.

And 3 japanees tourists in a castle... 1 male 2 female around 20 years old. The 2 girls wanted their photo taken with me. So I let them.

Not a single negative comment.

Wear ya kilts all the time if ya want.

I always wore a polo shirt with full hose and flashes and in the evening a shirt and tie plus vest/waistcoat or tweed jacket depending how warm it was. Carry a large umbrella, its better than a raincoat and keeps ya kilt dry.

I seem to get better attention/help in shops etc. than I did last year wearing pants/shorts and many smiles and nods of approval. especially from the ladies.



Chris.

[Neil Clark]

Will you guys be going to Braemar Games while you are here? Be good to see you if you are. I'll be about, in the kilt. Competing in the Piping Light Music only, 2nd on, so should be on about 10.05.