Kilts in Aberdeen and Edinburgh?

[Phil]

Congratulations on two excellent choices of university. As others have already said, don't expect to see many kilt-wearers at either place, unless there is a rugby game on that is. But that is no reason to stop you wearing yours. You never know -you might start a trend!
Of the two universities you will probably find more Scots in Aberdeen as Edinburgh is very popular with our southern neighbours (known in student circles as 'Yahs' - "are you coming to Champagne Charlie's tonight?" - " Oh ya"). My then student son said they tended to move in rather exclusive circles, not mingling with the locals. Naturally they are not kilt-wearers.
My other son went to Aberdeen and enjoyed it greatly. Too much partying I think but he did manage a degree in the end.

[neloon]

Nick,
As an Aberdeen native/graduate/ex-lecturer, I obviously hope you will come to Uni here. As the oil capital of Europe, Aberdeen has a very complete range of the usual urban facilities plus a wonderful hinterland stretching out "Royal" Deeside into the Highlands. Naturally, many students of Highland background come to Aberdeen Uni and there is a very active Celtic Society organising regular Ceilidh dances as do other Uni societies. The kilt is almost de rigeur at these but not much seen day-to-day. If you were to wear the kilt daily or at least regularly, I believe you would meet with general approval. But please leave the Balmoral in the US - it would be met with derision here!

[Jordan]

Snip

But please leave the Balmoral in the US - it would be met with derision here!

If you have one I wouldnt worry too much about wearing it. I wear mine without any I'll feelings

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

Neloon,

I have found out that while kilts are not everyday attire, that doesn't necessarily mean I won't be wearing one quite a bit. I do quite like my bonnet, I'm afraid. Especially with the temperatures in the winter months. My parents are very excited about the University of Edinburgh, but it is a horse race for me. Thank you.

Nick

[neloon]

Neloon,

I do quite like my bonnet, I'm afraid.

Nick

Well, perhaps delay wearing it until you see the lie of the land?
As for RGU, (my wife works there and is a graduate of Edinburgh, Glasgow and RGU) you must appreciate that it just doesn't have the history of the University of Aberdeen. I expect that you know that, for many centuries, there were as many universities in Aberdeen as in the whole of England (Kings College and Marischal College which amalgamated only in 1860)!
As for your original kilt question, you will have read the somewhat tempestuous thread on what Scots think about Americans wearing the kilt. Let's not go there again but do recognise that as an American outside the US you will be on a steep learning curve, kilted or not.
By the way most of the Pratts that I have come across have been from around Dundee. I hate to disillusion you but I suspect that the Pratt-Grant link is very tenuous. Sorry! The whole sept idea has been invented by commerce to sell more tartan but it seems to have caught on in the US in a big way.

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

Madmacs,

Thank you for the information, It is much appreciated.

Nick

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

I expect that you know that, for many centuries, there were as many universities in Aberdeen as in the whole of England (Kings College and Marischal College which amalgamated only in 1860)!

That is one of the reasons I am interested in furthering my education in Aberdeen. Very impressive indeed! My family is mostly from Inverness, not Dundee, but it is interesting that there are some Pratts there. I understand that some of this is delicate territory, and I thank you for your informative posts. Cheers!

Nick

[madmacs]

Of the two universities you will probably find more Scots in Aberdeen as Edinburgh is very popular with our southern neighbours (known in student circles as 'Yahs' - "are you coming to Champagne Charlie's tonight?" - " Oh ya"). My then student son said they tended to move in rather exclusive circles, not mingling with the locals. Naturally they are not kilt-wearers.

That would be the ones who didn't get accepted at St Andrews presumably...

[Phil]

That would be the ones who didn't get accepted at St Andrews presumably...

I don't know - more likely rejects from Oxbridge, especially if mummy & daddy found the flat prices more attractive in Edinburgh.

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

Jordan,

I would gladly meet for a drink if I get up to Aberdeen. I've been offered a place at RGU as well as the University of Aberdeen, so there is a decent chance. I think I would prefer Aberdeen to Edinburgh because of the sizes, but it's hard to tell. I prefer the northerly location as well. I'm hoping to visit both cities before I accept an offer. Thank you for your help.
Nick