Food For Thought

[English Bloke]

Good opinion poll Jock, with some interesting answers.

Cheers!

[chrisupyonder]

Thanks Jock, great read.

I got to know a lot of locals up here in caithness in the 10 years that I ran my own computer repair business. Ranging from small hotel owners, doctors, farmers, builders and shop keepers and many skilled engineers that work at Dounrey nuclear power station. In other words, most were ordinary working men.

Most owned at least 1 kilt. Wore a kilt to birthday parties, Christmas and new year, Burns night, weddings and any family gatherings plus of course the many Highland games up here and when out to dinner. An old doctor in Halkirk wore a kilt all the time and smelt of whisky . Some from more remote areas of Caithness and Sutherland would drive to Wick or Thurso once a month to do a big shop and this would be considered a special occasion as it woud include evening dinner before going home so would be kilted.

So to those who think your sample gents are not a true sample, think again, I think they are and compare well with what I have found.

My son-in-law's mother who is in her 70's says she used to see more kilts out and about during the day and evening, 50 ish years ago and most men at least wore a jacket and waistcoat plus tie. She does not like the plethora of denim jeans that now assault her senses. And the latest fashion cargo pants which are cut well below the knee, she says look silly on men. I agree.

Chris.

[sevenoaks]

That was a very interesting pole you took Jock and thank you for posting it.
When I was a boy I wore a kilt until I went to school and then I was told I had to wear short pants to school and not to show up again in a kilt. I think I was 4 or 5. I was confused by this and asked my Grandfather why I could not wear a kilt to school. Am I only English? I was born just south of Carlyle, or am Scot? He said "Aye Lad, when you go to school you must wear the short gray pants. Remember just because the cat has kittens in the oven, it canna make them meat pies!"
He told me that the Lowlanders had given there lives to help protect Scotland, the Highlands and our way of life.
My parents moved to Canada many years ago and I hardly gave my Heritage a second thought. Now I take the time to look at my Heritage.
I am possibly missing a great deal of history but understand most, if not all major battles were fought on the English and Scottish borders. As you know, thousands died., protecting Scotland including the Highlands and the Islands to the North. I know also many Clans from the Highlands also fought in these eternal wars.
I know you left the Highlands and spent quite a few years in England making a living. Did you deny your heritage during this time? Did you give up wearing a kilt? Or did you wait until you returned to the Highlands before donning a kilt again?
Jock I am not trying to be confrontational and respect your knowledge on all things Scottish. However I wonder why you insist that a Lowlander should not wear a kilt, or anyone not living in the Highlands, or anyone of Scottish Heritage are included in this? Am I missing a lot of history? If so I would appreciate if you could enlighten me.
I ask this with all due respect.
I lift a glass to you and acknowledge your right to think and say what you will.
Kindest regards.

[Dale Seago]

However I wonder why you insist that a Lowlander should not wear a kilt, or anyone not living in the Highlands, or anyone of Scottish Heritage are included in this?.

If you look more closely at what Jock has posted of his sentiments in these matters, I think you'll find that the word "insist" is far from applicable. He appears to have a keen sense of inevitability.

[Bugbear]

I just want to know how many Highlanders watch Bananza reruns...?

[Mael Coluim]

I just want to know how many Highlanders watch Bananza reruns...?

Probably as many who saw the movie, "Every Which Way but Loose".

[sevenoaks]

I re-read the post and you are right Dale Seago, "Insist" was the wrong word to use. I still am interested in Jocks reply. I am not being critical of Jock as I have had comments made to me while wearing my kilt, even today while walking on the Sea-Wall and I am wondering why people take this point of view.
Again. No disrespect was or is intended. Just a question.

[bigdad1]

Jock this is the best post you have made. Sounds as though you and your friends had a fun time. Good on you.
Bob

[Dale Seago]

Jock this is the best post you have made.

Well now, I don't know about THAT. . .But it's certainly a tasty thread, no question on that matter.

[Phil]

Take it for what it is, a bit of interesting(?) fun ----I claim it to be nothing more and if any one wants to draw a conclusion from it, then so be it.

That is exactly how I took it, Jock, but there is a more serious side to this. As you know, the majority of members here are not Scottish, not even British, and, as such, unlikely to appreciate the finer nuances of nationality raised in your piece. I have no doubt, actually, from what I read in other posts that many here hang on your every word as the fount of all knowledge respecting matters Scottish, and Highland in particular. In actual fact, as you have plainly told us, neither you nor any of your guests have experienced much, if anything, of the day-to-day life of Scotland during their combined years. This is not meant to decry their opinions in any way, but it is as well to view them objectively for what they are. Opinions and nothing more.