Wearing the kilt in Scotland

[MacThomas]

They don't want to be mistaken for tourists in their own country.........

it's so much a pity! So have the tourists taken the power in Scotland?
it's now understandable why the scots wear it more and more informally (this way they are not mistaken for tourists) except abroad and for traditional events.

[Joseph]

Yeah because being a tourist, or being mistaken for a tourist s a bad thing? Lord forbid I leave my own home and wear what I like because someone may realize I am a tourist bringing my money to their community. Or God help me if I'm confident enough in my own hometown that people might think I'm a visitor there too?

[Father Bill]

Joseph, a lot of tourists are so enthusiastic and excited that they come across as loud and brash. The polite and interested ones are the more welcome type.

Sarcasm doesn't lead well!

[Jock Scot]

Joseph.

Scotland is a free country, it is not a third world country either. Wear your kilt as you wish when visiting here , just don't expect the Scots to necessarily like how you do it. As to your money, that too is your choice and if you prefer to spend it elsewhere in the world, then be my guest.

[Joseph]

No insults intended to Scots. Am I brash? Maybe. It's been brought up before. My sarcasm is a reaction to the judgment a lot of the posters here display. If that offends them. Then oh well. This community has a ton of useful resources and knowledge. It also has a lot of people who hold little tolerance for those who don't have their same viewpoint. I'm used to going against the grain. Not because I want to make trouble. I don't. It's because I don't always want to do what I do, the same way everyone else does it. And I don't mind making trouble in the process if I have to.

I'm not much of a tourist. I'm too poor. But if I were, I wouldn't be the obnoxious, drunk, rude, demanding American that gives us all a bad name. I'm the courteous guy who tries to get along until you don't want to get along.

Again, no offense to Scots. I love all people. I've found I usually have no problem getting along with most people. If you want to make friends. you must first show yourself friendly.

[Father Bill]

Ah yes. A gentleman however, does actually care whether he offends. That is the essence of the thing, and the very reason that eyes are sometimes rolled at tourists.

Being gently thoughtful never costs a cent, and pays tremendous lifelong dividends.

[Joseph]

I will courteously bow out to your good advice since we aren't really talking about kilts anymore.

[MacThomas]

I will courteously bow out to your good advice since we aren't really talking about kilts anymore.

Really? Have you read this from Steve: "X Marks however, is a forum for the discussion of the kilt"?

[Joseph]

Right. And now we are talking about manners. And Father Bill is trying to teach me some. And I'm trying to use em by letting it go. Thanks for reminder from Steve.

[creagdhubh]

As an American of Highland ancestry, I've never had an issue with wearing Highland Dress in Scotland. Then again, I've done as such for quite some time now (and not just for the annual Clan Macpherson Gathering and Rally in the summertime). I only wear the kilt in the Highlands (specifically in Badenoch) where I never act like a tourist, because I've never been regarded as one by the locals. I'm not "touring" anything. I am home, surrounded by my kith and kin. As romantic as that sounds, it's the truth. I am quite blessed, and I know it.



Slainte mhath,