Two Telling comments? The Answer Perhaps?

[Nathan]

When I visit Scotland, I'll bring my kilt. Like some others have stated, I'll bring it and wear it when the locals are wearing theirs. I'll wear it to a Highland Games most certainly and to any clan-related gathering. I'll also wear it to a ceilidh or Highland ball. I won't wear it walking around shopping in Glasgow, touring castles, visiting museums etc... I don't typically do that here and I won't do that there.

I've worn the kilt a whole lot in my life both on and off stage but I'm not a daily kilt wearer. From what I gather, I tend to wear my kilt in Canada in similar contexts to which kilt wearers in Scotland seem to wear theirs. There are certain contexts where the kilt is most appropriate and others where it is more of an outlandish choice.

Since I've gotten involved in Clan Donald, joined the St. Andrew's Society and started planning and attending kilt nights, I've been wearing the kilt quite frequently. The most common question I get asked is not "the question", it's some form of "what's the occasion?"or "Where are you off to?"

That should tell everyone something. To the vast majority of people inside and outside of Scotland, kilts are cultural garments that some people wear on some special Scottish occasions. You can decide that a kilt is just another clothing option and wear it everywhere all the time but that is not how it is perceived by others. I know there are plenty of people on xmarks who wish that wasn't the case and try to "be the change they want to see" but sometimes it's helpful to remember that other people get to decide for themselves what they think of the choices we have every right to make.


Regardless of what others think, however, if you are happy marching to the beat of your own drum and have thought it all through - just go on being you and don't sweat it.

N

P.S. @sailortats - I would think a man with tattoos on his face would have long made peace with marching to the beat of his own drum. Once you've been bold enough to do that, I don't think a kilt is going to shock anyone. Your whole bearing is a statement of your individuality and you have always come across to me as a very confident guy who is comfortable in his own skin. There's no reason to turn your beautiful kilts into dishrags. You left conformity behind a while ago, have earned a head of white hair and sailed the sea in service of your country. I think that gives you the license to have the trip you want and if someone thinks you a doofus, think them a stick in the mud and order an other pint.