I tend to agree with Hamish. I have seen a couple of ladies attending our local St. Andrew's Society events dressed in full kilted regalia, which just doesn't look quite right.

As far as bands, I think it is being done for uniformity. Since pipe bands have their origins in the military, where uniformity is the backbone of military society, it stands to reason that you would want a uniform standard for all members, regardless of sex.

It still looks odd, though -- after all, Highland Dancers (female) do not wear sporrans!

T.