Two Telling comments? The Answer Perhaps?

[CeilidhDoc]

It is also interesting to me that most seem to think that the Western / Cowboy wear example is a good one. I have to say it may be the closest readily recognizable analogy from American culture, but I still don't think it is a very good one.

The reason I say this is because there are no family pattern cowboy boots, as just one important difference. To me, that is a big difference. Of course, JMHO.

Slàinte!

And PS--I lived in Phoenix for 4 years, so I know what you mean!!

[S Mitchell]

It is also interesting to me that most seem to think that the Western / Cowboy wear example is a good one. I have to say it may be the closest readily recognizable analogy from American culture, but I still don't think it is a very good one.

The reason I say this is because there are no family pattern cowboy boots, as just one important difference. To me, that is a big difference. Of course, JMHO.

Slàinte!

And PS--I lived in Phoenix for 4 years, so I know what you mean!!

You're right, especially about the family patterns. It might be more correct to say it's 'the closest' analogy.

I think it's a useful analogy, though, primarily from the angle of Western attire being immediately recognizable as American. Although, other nations with traditions of ranching have their own versions of cowboy attire, of course.

[California Highlander]

I suppose adopting the 'Duncan look' (Monarch of the Glen) wouldn't be too bad, at least he wasn't covered in clan this, clan that and clan bloody everything else!

This is my general "look" when out. I just wear the kilt. No clan items, no bonnet, and a regular jacket if it's windy or raining, leather jacket for the pub, jumper/sweater if it's cold. I have never worn a button-front "western" style shirt as Duncan did in one episode of MotG, but other than that...it's easy and comfortable.

They are mildly eccentric.

folk generally regarded as eccentrics...

And I probably as seen as mildly eccentric.

[creagdhubh]

Whilst in Scotland, I wear Highland Dress in the Highlands where I have never been viewed as a tourist; but then again, perhaps that's simply because I don't act like one.

[CeilidhDoc]

OK, I like your suggestion Nathan. I will start a new thread.

And Kyle, great to have you back!

Slàinte

[creagdhubh]

Spot the tourist!

[CeilidhDoc]

Haha!!!

LOVE it Kyle.

Slàinte

[TheOfficialBren]

Spot the tourist!

Honestly, Kyle, if I didn't know that you were carrying the flag I'd actually assume the tourist was the chap in the black pirate shirt carrying the sword or the one several back wearing the plain white shirt with the dark jacket and black bow tie at midday!

Good to see you back.

[James Hood]

So might it be even faintly safe to speculate upon the concept, more people "outside" the Highlands of modern, industrial, internet-cell-phone-ing, jeans, tees, athletic shoes, cable TV, tabloids, workaday earnest living...

..."not-interested in traditions / clans, et al," Highland Scotland...

...are interested in "old Scottish culture and history and allure of the kilt and its accoutrements," than "the real, modern" Highland Scots?

If so, dare the genuinely-interested but not genuine...

...ponder, if the or a metaphorical "torch" of sort has been passed to them (or picked up, "discarded")...largely by default?

PLEASE forgive any potential offense; NONE meant.

[Calgacus]

So might it be even faintly safe to speculate upon the concept, more people "outside" the Highlands of modern, industrial, internet-cell-phone-ing, jeans, tees, athletic shoes, cable TV, tabloids, workaday earnest living...

..."not-interested in traditions / clans, et al," Highland Scotland...

...are interested in "old Scottish culture and history and allure of the kilt and its accoutrements," than "the real, modern" Highland Scots?

Difficult questions, but I'll have a go. Yes. At least numerically speaking. The population of the highlands is a fraction of that of Scotland, which in turn is a fraction of that of the diaspora, so there are almost certainly more people interested in traditions/clans/etc outside of the highlands than in the highlands.

If you mean proportionally, then it's much harder to answer. The highlander, and more generally the Scot, are to some extent steeped in our history, culture and traditions, despite the lack of actual education about them. The 'interest' is there just the same, but I think it takes a different form as a result. taking an interest in such things here takes a lot less 'deliberate effort' than it might do outside of Scotland. For example, I've noticed that highlanders quite frequently mention their ancestors and know who they are, compared to lowlanders. I'm sure if asked that they would not say they were any more interested in genealogical research than the next guy, but it's a part of the culture so it just happens.

Just to complicate matters, a counter example is to tell you that there are some Scots who actively shun many aspects of Scottish culture such as tartan, haggis or bagpipes in the (to my mind) mistaken belief that it is backwards and/or incompatible with a modern 21st century Scotland.

If so, dare the genuinely-interested but not genuine...

...ponder, if the or a metaphorical "torch" of sort has been passed to them (or picked up, "discarded")...largely by default?

Yes... and no. The torch certainly hasn't been dropped, though it may have flickered and guttered occasionally. Scottish culture is alive and well, if diluted somewhat by UK culture, and even more so by US culture.

What is, I think, undervalued is the contribution made by the diaspora, and especially by Canadians in preserving Scottish and more specifically highland culture. There are aspects of language and music which have been better preserved, quite frankly, by Canadians than by the Scots themselves. I'm not denigrating Scots for failing to preserve such things, there have been huge external pressures at work in the past, and even now, working against the preservation of such things.

PLEASE forgive any potential offense; NONE meant.

None taken. Valid questions, I'd say.