Party Scottish style.

[Father Bill]

Traditional forms of dress still remain traditional and acceptable, but they needn't be slavishly worn by everyone, at every turn, to remain relevant.

Aye Tobus; well said, but then I wasn't talking about slavishness, just that what I read described here, to me seems to be a slow and gentle decline towards eventual extinction.

[Jock Scot]

Aye Tobus; well said, but then I wasn't talking about slavishness, just that what I read described here, to me seems to be a slow and gentle decline towards eventual extinction.

Actually Bill, I genuinely think that your concern is misplaced.

[Father Bill]

Actually Bill, I genuinely think that your concern is misplaced.

I certainly hope so!

[neloon]

Bill,
I think the "popularity" of the kilt (in civilian life) has fluctuated enormously over the years. The kilt is certainly worn by more Scots today than in, say, 1800. But it is not worn as "the norm" to anything like the extent to which it would have been seen from the 1920s to the 1970s. Some part of this is due to all sorts of external influences. Clothing is nowadays globally produced rather than locally made and fashion is more international. Decline in church attendance removed the need for "Sunday best" for both boys and men. Perhaps de-kilting in the army other than for ceremonial underlines the "special occasions" angle. We live much more in a "conforming" world than in days of yore. There is also a semi-political component But kilts are quite widely owned and I believe, like Jock, that only a small change in the public psyche might bring about a considerable increase in the visibility of the kilt. Pendulums swing.

Alan