Fly Plaid Tattoo OK?

[Hirsty]

There is no taboo about tattoos in Scotland.

It is more socially acceptable than it was a decade or two before. The above comments do reflect, perhaps, a generational difference.

The only issues would be if your tattoo was political, prejudicial, religious, certain sports teams, or sexual. Personally, I avoid anywhere that you cannot cover up - the face, hands, lower arms, lower legs, etc. Thus you can show your tattoos if you want to, but no-one would know they are there otherwise. Your plaid idea would easily be covered.

[FossilHunter]

At first I thought this was about wearing a fly plaid to a military tattoo and I couldn’t figure out what Jock had against military parades!

A suggestion I’ve heard for ink tattoos is think about it for a year and if you still like it after that, go for it.

As for offending anyone, there’s a fella on the big clan Donald Facebook group who got a big clan crest inked on his arm. No one complained about it, including the many Scots in the group (including the admin).

Now some may have disliked it and kept it to themselves but that makes me think you’d be fine taking it to a pub.

[Me cousin Jack]

Tattoos of a chiefs “coat of arms” would be one example bad taste, were you not the chief or a close family member. I’ve seen some in the internet, and I highly doubt they are all Chiefs. Crests are another story.

[Lady Grey]

I like the general idea but I think it’s a bit large going over the shoulder as it might make it difficult for further artwork to be added in the future and blend in well.
A couple of us actually planned out a small tattoo at last year’s Kilt Kamp, we were going to have the Xmarks tartan in a tape measure (because Barb is all about the tape measure)
Unfortunately the tattoo shop across the road was unavailable... still on my wish list after the white lace design on my shoulder.

A cautionary note - from the image searches we did it seems ‘tartan’ is one of those designs that are really hard to do well. So choose your artist wisely. Like watercolour tattoos there are some good ones and really bad ones.

Can’t wait to see the pictures!

[Highland Logan]

Tattoos of a chiefs “coat of arms” would be one example bad taste, were you not the chief or a close family member. I’ve seen some in the internet, and I highly doubt they are all Chiefs. Crests are another story.

I assume you mean clanman's badge when you say crest; the Chief's crest encircled in a strap and buckle, bearing the Chief's slogan or motto.

As to 'close' family member, that would also be wrong. Unless the Chief, this would still be usurped arms, according to the Laws of Arms in Scotland.

Unless one plans to use a clanmans badge, or their own marticulated arms, it's best to avoid crests you do not own.

Frank

[Me cousin Jack]

I assume you mean clanman's badge when you say crest; the Chief's crest encircled in a strap and buckle, bearing the Chief's slogan or motto.

As to 'close' family member, that would also be wrong. Unless the Chief, this would still be usurped arms, according to the Laws of Arms in Scotland.

Unless one plans to use a clanmans badge, or their own marticulated arms, it's best to avoid crests you do not own.

Frank

I did, thanks.