Wearing a Kilt while Touring Scotland?

**nh_maclean** · 26th June 13, 01:13 PM

I'm sure a lot of guys here have or would, if visiting Scotland, wear a kilt. And I'm of that mindframe as well (countdown is about 3weeks!) but my question is how prevelant is kilt wearing over there? I really don't want to come across as a Tourist who thinks Kilts are Quaint, etc.

My style is pretty contemporary - even with my traditional kilts:
boots (nothing heavy - just simple plain leather boot that matches the color of the sporran); boot socks or kilt socks slouched down. I don't wear flashes and i usually don't wear a belt but might bring one. I usually top it off with a T-shirt under a sweater or zippered sweatshirt. If i'm going more dressy i'll wear a button down shirt with a sweater, vest and/or jacket. I probably will be going for the more casual look while there.

If anyone has any experiences or stories or advice that'd be much appreciated. I don't want to be "that Tourist" and I also don't want to be seen as potentially offensive as I don't do the whole Traditional style. (I should note I'm not going the whole time kilted but do want to spend a good portion of the time in a kilt.)

Now to decide which Kilt to bring! I'm leaning towards my Maclean Ancient Hunting or Modern Hunting.... decisions. Decisions!

Thanks much,
Noah

**TheOfficialBren** · 26th June 13, 01:22 PM

My impression is that they are very rarely seen in the wild over yonder.

Don't worry...being from California myself, as soon as we utter one word we are pretty well-pegged. Darn that hard, rhotic accent.

I galso get the stron impression that if one were to decide to wear the kilt in Scotland that one should forego any tendencies to wear it outside of the generally accepted THCD style.

I may be completely wrong but that ismthe impression that I get from seeing this topic many times over on the forum. Try a search. There are many good threads on this topic.

Most of all, enjoy your trip, mate!

**Father Bill** · 26th June 13, 01:24 PM

Bren's got it.

**JohntheBiker** · 26th June 13, 01:29 PM

You will stand out wearing a kilt in Scotland and most folks will peg you as a tourist (possible exception - other tourists). Most folks won't take offence, they'll just think that you are quaint. They wear their kilts, if they have them, for events and occasions. I've worn a kilt in Scotland and for the most part been the only one kilted. However, if you are a North American kilt wearer, you are used to standing out from the crowd. By all means wear your kilt!

There are lots of threads here that will tell you the same thing, more or less. Have a great trip and enjoy!

**Jock Scot** · 26th June 13, 01:40 PM

Wear your kilt.

**creagdhubh** · 26th June 13, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Wear your kilt.

Hello Noah,

I agree with Jock...wear the kilt! Just wear it tastefully and with confidence.

I wear Highland dress every time I am in Scotland, but more specifically, every time I am in the Scottish Highlands. I have rarely worn the kilt in larger cities such as Edinburgh, Perth, Aberdeen or Glasgow and when I have, it was for special occasions when others were expected to be in Highland dress (i.e. - what the invitation stated), bit I say go for it! Like my fellow Macpherson cousins, I typically wear the kilt for an extended period of time during the annual Clan Macpherson Gathering and Rally, which takes place the first weekend in August in Newtonmore, Kingussie and Laggan in beautiful Inverness-shire, and often the Wednesday after for a nice luncheon at my chief's home of Newton Castle in lovely Blairgowrie, Perthshire.

Here are several photos of me wearing Highland dress whilst in Scotland.

Best of luck to you and enjoy green Alba!

Slainte,

**StevieR** · 26th June 13, 01:54 PM

Hi Noah,

I'm fairly new to this forum but have found this is an oft asked question.

I've just returned from three weeks in Scotland and saw I think, about six kilted chaps. Two pipers, a sales assistant in Hector Russell and one each at Dunvegan and Inveraray castles (I did have the pleasure of meeting Sir Lachlan MacLean at Duart castle on Mull, but he wore tartan trews!) and an American lad in Portree, who was very well turned out.

This might give you a idea of how common day to day kilt wear is in Scotland - almost never! It seems to be the preserve of high days and holidays.

Wear your kilt in the way you suggest. You will be seen as an American tourist, 'cause that's what you are

but trust me, you will not offend anyone and you will find that the Scots are wonderfully warm and engaging (yes, I am one, but I've lived down south for so long I've got a dodgy accent and they think I'm English

).

Have a great holiday and make sure you have a pint or two of 80/-

**andycwb** · 26th June 13, 01:57 PM

I have seen a kilt described as a garment worn by Americans in Scotland, and Scotsman in the rest of the world. Wear it properly, or not at all.

**hector** · 26th June 13, 02:08 PM

To enlarge on this topic: I'm just back from two weeks in Wales. I drove some 2.200 km (1350 miles) throughout the whole country. Kilts? Not one!

**cessna152towser** · 26th June 13, 02:38 PM

Go for it, bring your kilt and wear it while you are in Scotland. You may be taken for a tourist but your kilt will be a good conversation starter. I often wear a kilt here in Scotland. Some days I don't see any other kilt wearers, other days, particularly Saturdays when there are weddings or sporting fixtures taking place there are lots of kilts being worn.