A story of Kilted Attention or: Why I can't go commando!

**Mael Coluim** · 9th March 12, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

Matt's response is an indication of the high quality of his character and his gracious personality. Since an apology from Alan does not appear to be forthcoming, this would seem the most practical and expedient remedy.

Cordially,

David

Please remember the time zone differences and people’s needs to take care of their life activities (sleep, work, etc.) beyond the internet. I suggest that Matt’s and Alan’s discussions be between them and the rest of us just chill.

**tundramanq** · 9th March 12, 09:01 AM

A Proper kilt check are the only ones I have experienced at the Renfares I have been to and there are strict rules to be abided by.

!. Check is always with permission. Always by a lady.

2. Check is always done sliding the hand on the outside of the kilt.

3. If you pass, you are awarded a blue ribbon to be fastened just above your right knee stating so. And you are not to be subject to further checks while wearing the ribbon.

At these more organized events, even with the booze flowing, I have never been "molested".

**Four** · 9th March 12, 09:12 AM

Just now figured out that renfairs are Renascence fairs. ....

**tundramanq** · 9th March 12, 09:30 AM

The ones I go to are for reinactments of the knights of old. We camp out in the forest and the young bucks whack away at each other. Blunt points and proper apparel is a must. As well as chivalry at court events. Most of the equipment and apparal used is homemade and these guys and gals have gotten very good at making it.

I am a great spectator nowdays and the one who has plenty of coffee made in the morning when the rest crawl out of their sleeping bags.

**Jock Scot** · 9th March 12, 09:38 AM

Over 200 posts and not one from me! A record?

Well ok I am all for a bit of fun and there was a time in the dim and distant past when I was all for a lot of fun, even risque fun! But, and I say again, BUT there is a time and a place and what is required is discretion, and consideration, two old fashioned words these days sadly, but all these fun things do out of necessity, require both.

Various and legitimate points of view have been voiced and it is obvious to all, I think, that opinions differ markedly. Now given my liking of fun, even at my age, my slant on this is.

If two(more?!!) consenting adults want to "kilt check" they are quite at liberty to do so, providing they have the discretion to consider others around them and their sensibilities too. If one person does not consent, then trouble is almost assuredly waiting from one direction or another. If others might not be happy, then please have the discretion and consideration to find another time and place and a willing participant where no one will be offended and damn well get on with it!

**Woodsheal** · 9th March 12, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by tundramanq

A Proper kilt check are the only ones I have experienced at the Renfares I have been to and there are strict rules to be abided by.

!. Check is always with permission. Always by a lady.

2. Check is always done sliding the hand on the outside of the kilt.

3. If you pass, you are awarded a blue ribbon to be fastened just above your right knee stating so. And you are not to be subject to further checks while wearing the ribbon.

At these more organized events, even with the booze flowing, I have never been "molested".

I'm sorry, but "kilt checks" are ridiculous. Organized kilt checks with "rules" even more so....

**tundramanq** · 9th March 12, 10:05 AM

The renenactments try to be as true to known history as possible. Underwear was scarce to non existent in the dark ages. Ergo the checks, but it isn't a big deal if you fail to be regimental - just no ribbon. The rules came about as part of the costume checking for accuracy. This area needed formal rules. There is a lot of peace of mind this way as with the blue ribbon you arent "on edge" all the time.

woodsheal - as a reinactor you know how exacting the details are.

**Drac** · 9th March 12, 10:12 AM

Ok, maybe I'm missing something but how do they tell if a person is wearing underware through a 8yds of 16oz wool that is knife pleated? That would take a mighty sensitive touch to feel a thin piece of cloth under all that. And how would they tell the difference between that and the long tailed shirt that was used for the same purpose?

Jim

**Cynthia** · 9th March 12, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Look folks: wild and wonderful people are just that; wild and wonderful. I love them.

Inappropriate behaviour is just that: inappropriate. I hate it.

What's inappropriate? Invading someone else's territory, privacy, or person. It's only funny to the aggressor, but the victim is forced to pretend that s/he thinks it's funny because the aggressor and friends belittle them as being "unable to take a joke" or something similar. That is nothing more nor less than bullying, and I for one am contemptuous of such behaviours.

Check my kilt or my wife's? I'll call the police, and I will insist that charges be laid whether I'm wearing my collar or not. If the officer is unwilling, I'll demand his badge number and complain to the police commission. This is absolutely inappropriate, no matter how "nice" the people are in other ways.

Wet blanket? Sure, if that's what it takes to put out fires, so here's my wet blanket: criticizing somebody's point of view as if it were elitist is nothing short of bullying. As a retired school principal, I do know a fair bit about that.

Let it end forthwith, and let no one make any attempt to excuse the inexcusable. I confess, I'm getting hot under the clerical collar.

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

If two(more?!!) consenting adults want to "kilt check" they are quite at liberty to do so, providing they have the discretion to consider others around them and their sensibilities too. If one person does not consent, then trouble is almost assuredly waiting from one direction or another. If others might not be happy, then please have the discretion and consideration to find another time and place and a willing participant where no one will be offended and damn well get on with it!

I have been quiet in this conversation, but I would just like to say that I fully agree with these statements. They are very close to what my husband or I would have posted.

**ForresterModern** · 9th March 12, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by tundramanq

A Proper kilt check are the only ones I have experienced at the Renfares I have been to and there are strict rules to be abided by.

!. Check is always with permission. Always by a lady.

2. Check is always done sliding the hand on the outside of the kilt.

3. If you pass, you are awarded a blue ribbon to be fastened just above your right knee stating so. And you are not to be subject to further checks while wearing the ribbon.

At these more organized events, even with the booze flowing, I have never been "molested".

I suggest you actively forward these "rules" to all renfaires, Scottish highland games, other public Celtic events, Burns suppers, all public taverns which might hosted kilties for kilt nights or even the random visit by a kilted individual, and any other establishment where risk of uninvited or invited kilt checks might be expected to occur, politely requesting that they be displayed prominently in bold letters at each and every entrance thereto, as well as openly behind the bars and at beer tents where alcohol would most likely be consumed, as well as published on any such event's web pages and in any event programs that would be handed out. I suppose the type would be too small to read to try to incorporate it into a handstamp or wristband used to document paid admittance to such places or events, but maybe a reminder phrase of "Please abide by published and posted Kilt Check Rules" might be short enough to be legible for such purpose. I welcome other suggestions.