Thank you, everyone, for your varied, interesting and generous responses. (Jamie, I agree you DO have an overactive imagination!!).

Of course, had I stopped to think before posing the question, I'd have remembered that I myself am constantly bringing up the matter of "The British Reserve" and, yes, that surely has a lot to do with it.

It is not that I (seriously) seek attention or crave praise, but compliments from total strangers are a marvellous boost to the morale. Maybe I was just feeling slightly envious of the sheer volume of such compliments many of my American brethren receive!

However, compliments or otherwise, the important thing is that we continue to revel in the comfort and freedom of kilt wearing, and that we use every opportunity to edify those who have yet to discover these things for themselves.

Thanks again, everyone.