Visiting Scotland: Sgian Dubh's and Do(bh)n'ts

[WillowEstate]

Since no one but you knows it's fake, it is no less likely to cause an uncomfortable spotter to call the police. Being compelled to investigate, the police would then show up and still stop you and question you, until they determine they knife is fake. Better to not draw that kind of attention at all, as long as the populace is trained to react to the possibility of a knife. I would offer the same suggestion regarding the wearing of a sgian-bru. Those that don't know it's not a knife, will still react to it as if it were a knife.

Indeed, which, as in my original post, is why I only wear an SD at private functions. Discretion is the better part of valour.

[KiltFitz]

Indeed, which, as in my original post, is why I only wear an SD at private functions. Discretion is the better part of valour.

Dear me, let's clarify. Real or fake, it's not an offence. The police are not likely to be called, even if you showed it to someone. If in the unlikely event they accosted you, it would be quickly and pleasantly dealt with.

Now, brandish or wave it in a threatening or reckless manner and it would be different. But if if you brandish or wave a bottle of ketchup, a traffic cone or your underwear in the same way then there will be just the same chance of talking to Police Scotland or some other altercation. Treat it as a part of your attire, even use it functionally (I have opened letters, cut cakes, even fixed sunglasses with mine) and there is little chance of alarm.

Kilts are not such an uncommon site in Scotland and when presented with the spectacle of a man in a kilt walking down the street or standing in a pub most people do not assume that this is some demented tourist, although I have read many assertions to the contrary on this forum. Highland wear is an uncommon sight in particular areas of particular cities in Scotland. Which is fine, people are entitled to their own culture, but I know a good many of these areas and there are few museums or concert halls or 5 star hotels located nearby.

Where is this panic about a man holding a knife supposed to come from? Unless I'm in a chinese restaurant, I have a knife in my hand for just about every meal. In fact, the waiter often brings me different types depending on what course I am eating. If it's steak, he'll even make sure it's serrated!

Contrary to some misconceptions, Scottish people do know what a sgian dubh is - Most of us have been invited to at least one wedding in our lifetime. They also know what it is when they see it sticking out of kilt hose and manage not to run screaming from the room, dialling 999 on their phones.

[creagdhubh]

I always have a sgian dubh tucked into my hose whilst kilted in Scotland and have never had any issues. Then again, the majority of my time spent in Scotland is in rural parts of the Highlands.

[Peter Lowe]

Dear me, let's clarify. Real or fake, it's not an offence. The police are not likely to be called, even if you showed it to someone. If in the unlikely event they accosted you, it would be quickly and pleasantly dealt with.

Now, brandish or wave it in a threatening or reckless manner and it would be different. But if if you brandish or wave a bottle of ketchup, a traffic cone or your underwear in the same way then there will be just the same chance of talking to Police Scotland or some other altercation. Treat it as a part of your attire, even use it functionally (I have opened letters, cut cakes, even fixed sunglasses with mine) and there is little chance of alarm.

Kilts are not such an uncommon site in Scotland and when presented with the spectacle of a man in a kilt walking down the street or standing in a pub most people do not assume that this is some demented tourist, although I have read many assertions to the contrary on this forum. Highland wear is an uncommon sight in particular areas of particular cities in Scotland. Which is fine, people are entitled to their own culture, but I know a good many of these areas and there are few museums or concert halls or 5 star hotels located nearby.

Where is this panic about a man holding a knife supposed to come from? Unless I'm in a chinese restaurant, I have a knife in my hand for just about every meal. In fact, the waiter often brings me different types depending on what course I am eating. If it's steak, he'll even make sure it's serrated!

Contrary to some misconceptions, Scottish people do know what a sgian dubh is - Most of us have been invited to at least one wedding in our lifetime. They also know what it is when they see it sticking out of kilt hose and manage not to run screaming from the room, dialling 999 on their phones.

In post #4 Grizzly quoted the necessary Law which makes it clear that in the UK wearing a Sgian Dubh as part of highland dress is perfectly legal.
I have had this confirmed in writing by Lothians and Borders Police always providing that it remains inside your hose and/or your actions could not be construed as threatening.
In another post I comment on the comfort of wearing the kilt. If you are in any way uncomfortable while wearing a Sgian Dubh dont wear one but, please, be aware it is not illegal to do so in the UK.
Finally I have been asked to hand it over to "security" on entering an Edinburgh Pub on a Saturday night which I was happy to do. Within two or three minutes the Manager came over and gave it back to me. I did not know whether to laugh or cry but he did apologise. Being less young can have it's advantages.

[creagdhubh]

Finally I have been asked to hand it over to "security" on entering an Edinburgh Pub on a Saturday night which I was happy to do. Within two or three minutes the Manager came over and gave it back to me. I did not know whether to laugh or cry but he did apologise. Being less young can have it's advantages.

I had precisely the same exact thing happen to me at a pub in Edinburgh, just after attending the Tattoo. The whole exchange was very pleasant and accommodating.