the kilt in Scotland

[longforgan]

I am a Scot from Dundee, but have been away many years. I believe that I would be accepted without a problem wearing my kilt in just about any country, but I am a bit apprehensive about visiting Scotland believe it or not! The dynamic over there about the kilt is just too complicated to get into here. (even if I understood it!) However, you, my fellow kilted brethren most likely have experience of this. Question: For those who have gone to Scotland in the kilt, what was the reaction over there? I make an exception of Edinburgh because there are so many kilted tourist-oriented things going on there that another kilt would probably not even cause a ripple. But how about in some of the other towns such as Dundee, Aberdeen, Perth etc? Thanks, - Longforgan

[Blu (Ontario)]

I've not been to Scotland (would love to go there) so I'm not much help here. But... I am intrigued by the question. Could you elaborate just a wee bit on the nature of the dynamics you are referring to? Some day this might prove to be valuable information.

[mcnice]

i plan going to scotland in summer and then studying there. and the kilt will be worn there as i wear them here. even if i have to take the risk being taken as a holiday- tourist.
i ve read that everyone wearing a kilt in scotland is considered as a tourist ;)

[longforgan]

Well Blu, you really put me on the spot! I have an idea that the details of Scotland's traditions such as the kilt is something that many Scots living there acknowledge but would prefer to forget. Sort of "that's where we came from and how we were, but not the way we are now!" At the same time the younger generation over there, if they think about it at all, regard the old traditions as being quaint maybe even a source of embarrassment. And like it or not, it seems to be the younger generation these days who set the trends. Another two examples which to my mind illustrate that ominous things are afoot:- I read somewhere that at a highland gathering in Scotland, many of the visitors/participants from abroad were kilt-clad. The at-home Scots objected to this and had to be slapped down! Recently I put on a chat-room in my home town my same question about how the kilt would be accepted there. There were quite a few replies but it went directly into discussions on the kilt in general. None of them took the question headon and gave an opinion. Now that in itself is weird and hints at some kind of,........ what would you call it? Problem. It is very true what has already been said by many and that is that the really true Scots are those who are generations removed and living around the world. Also the ex-patriot Scots who are a different creature entirely from their fellows they left behind. In my estimation it is the Scots abroad, (that is out of Scotland) the folks of Scottish heritage living around the world who are now carrying the torch, and I for one am thankful for that. The blood is strong! Well there you go Blu,- tell me if I'm blethering or not! - Longforgan

[Hamish]

Hi Longforgan,

I return to Scotland on average once a year. Admittedly, this is usually to Edinburgh (where I have only once had a reaction that stuck in my memory: a young local guy in a pub on The Royal Mile told me I had more guts than he had to wear the kilt. By chance, we met again in the same pub the next evening, when I was wearing a 'Workman's' Utilikilt. This chap absolutely loved it and wanted all the info. so as to get one for himself. Strange that this young Scot had a problem with a tartan kilt, but not an American Utilikilt!!

Apart from in Edinburgh, I've worn all forms of kilt throughout the Highlands and other areas without any problems. Again only one reaction from those travels sticks in my mind: whilst in a supermarket check-out queue in Elgin, a young lad of about five caught sight of me and called to his mother, "Look Ma, there's a Highlander!"

It is said that is you see a kilt being worn on the streets of Edinburgh, on a weekday, the wearer will be a tourist or a busker. However, I do know several residents of the Capital who wear the kilt on a daily basis.

[The Wizard of BC]

Hamish,
Your probably right about the young accepting North American style kilts in Scotland.
I read an article from Edinburgh, published earler this year, that stated North American style kilts were outselling Tartans in that city two-to-one.
It was in a garment industry publication. I'll try to find it again and post it here.

[al' Sporrano]

As Hamish knows too well, I have worn my kilt in Edinburgh on a number of occasions without any adverse effect.

It goes without saying that you become a bit of a tourist attraction (remember the tourists under Scotts monument Ham) but all in all a pleasurable experience

I've worn mine in Inverness, around Loch Ness and further north into the Highlands and hardly anyone took notice. Very few other kilts to be seen mind you.

I also wore it to Floors castle at a Highland Mass Band festival. Loads of kilts but all, bar 2, were worn by bandsmen and women. Those other two were worn by me and his Lordship!!!

Al

[phil h]

I must say I feel more English now I'm not there, more aware of it anyway.it's just something you take for granted, when you are there.I am reminded of being different on a regular baisis, not in a bad way. maybe they are embarrassed to wear a kilt in Scotland just like I would not wear a cloth cap and old boots,in England, I would rather wear something modern.
I think most Scots see the kilt as a costume, only to be worn to a wedding.I know a few scots, like I posted in another post,I was the only one kilted at the celtic club.
now don't take my next comment to heart, or as an insult, but let's take the Americans for example,they get more upset about things said against the scots than a real scot would. a real scot being a person that is born in Scotland, and not a person who traces his family back to scotland 200 years ago.
now, reply if you must to my last comment, but I bet it will only serve to prove my point.
like I said no insult intended.
(I sit here with fingers crossed,I hope I don't get my self into more $h!t, and p!$$ someone else off)
peace

[Blu (Ontario)]

... tell me if I'm blethering or not! - Longforgan

You're right about one thing..... It's not a simple black and white situation. Although it should be no surprise that people there feel inclined to conform to the general standards of western style attire. And unfortunate indeed that some in Scotland might take offense that an expat or those of Scot heritage would wear highland attire.

Thanx for the details!

[Tim Walker]

Is the actual distinction between traditional kilts as historical costumes...versus updated 21st century variants/derivatives?