First time stopped by a kilt kop

**FossilHunter** · 22nd July 17, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Dollander

That only happened to me once. Someone gestured to my kilt asked “Which clan?”, and I just happened to wearing my Murray of Atholl PV so I simply replied “Murray.” But there was nothing accusatory in her tone, so I’d’ve gladly explained the significance had I been wearing something else.

I’ve never encountered a full-on kilt kop, though. I’m curious if they’d be too busy grilling me on my “right” to wear a certain tartan or kilts in general to even notice that what I’m wearing is essentially a pocketless utility kilt rendered in tartan rather than a traditional Scottish garment. Which, again, I’m happy to explain to those who actually ask questions as opposed to simply offering a quick compliment.

I've never been asked about my "right" to wear a kilt but that may just be because kilts are pretty uncommon in San Diego outside of Scottish events.

I have been asked a few times at Church what tartan (or even what "plaid") I am wearing. It's always just been curiosity though.

I only wear the kilt on Sundays or on special occasions though, so my public exposure is reduced. I have had a couple people ask if I was going to a highland games or a parade. I just explain that I wore it to Church that morning or that I am heading to dinner somewhere special and that seems to satisfy everyone who's cared enough to ask so far. Oh, and the people asking have always been pretty excited. A man in kilted smart daywear is probably one of the less-weird things you will see in Southern California on any given day. Unusual for sure but not offensively strange.

**Michael A** · 22nd July 17, 05:20 PM

Yes. More often than not, "Which clan?" from complete strangers is an example of cultural bonding and validation.

**Profane James** · 22nd July 17, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by FossilHunter

...is probably one of the less-weird things you will see in Southern California on any given day. Unusual for sure but not offensively strange.

Particularly now, Comic-Con in full swing out your way about this time!

**scratchy** · 22nd July 17, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

Some time back, a lady approached me in a very unfriendly manner. "I hope you're qualified to wear that tartan!" I have no problem with friendly enquiries, but she was decidedly NOT friendly. So being the wiseacre I am, I reared back, looked down my nose, and said: " I am Geoffrey Leigh Withnell, member of Davidson Clan by descent and the agreement of my chief, head of the Withnell family by inheritance from my father and the acknowledgement of the family, U.S. Marine by proven military prowess, and US citizen by birth and the grace of God. May I have the privilege of knowing who is questioning my qualifications?" She didn't reply, just sputtered and walked away.

Now that's a RESPONSE

**FossilHunter** · 23rd July 17, 12:43 PM

Sorry, didn't mean to violate the rules.

**Profane James** · 23rd July 17, 01:39 PM

LoL and I am a big enough fan that I would appreciate it!

**EagleJCS** · 23rd July 17, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by FossilHunter

You haven't lived until you've seen and overweight old man dressed in a Princess Leia slave costume.

EEEP!

There are some thing you just can't un-see, even if there isn't an actual picture (thank heavens).

Now where'd I put that eye bleach and mental floss??

**lschwartz** · 23rd July 17, 05:40 PM

Removed by Poster.

**Father Bill** · 23rd July 17, 05:46 PM

Let's be awfully careful that we're not discussing cross-dressing as forbidden in our rules.

**Dollander** · 24th July 17, 03:08 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Let's be awfully careful that we're not discussing cross-dressing as forbidden in our rules.

Not to mention that we're straying from Derosa's topic of kilt kops by talking about Comic-Con.

Originally Posted by Michael A

Yes. More often than not, "Which clan?" from complete strangers is an example of cultural bonding and validation.

Well, like I said, there was no hostility in her tone, just curiosity. And it just so happened yesterday that someone asked me about the tartan of my kilt when I was wearing the only one that's not either fashion/universal or specifically related to my ancestry. But again, I explained to him that I got it because MacNaughton is the only PV fabric available in the muted* colors (which I happen to think look good on me). Though had he inquired further, then I suppose I could've explained that the MacNaughtons were originally from the Pictish kingdom of Moireabh (Moray), which is the source of my surname...even if we Murrays ourselves are descended from a Flemish knight whom King David I granted the lands to help pacify the region.

* It's actually closer to D.C. Dalgliesh's "reproduction colors" than House of Edgar's muted palette, but whatever...