OK chaps! Let this matter not come to a display of fisticuffs!

I have been asked for my opinion - and this is it:

As we all know, there are NO hard and fast rules laid down as to what may or may not be worn with what. There are, however, unwritten 'rules' of dress etiquette, particularly when it comes to formal evening, or full Highland dress - but that, as I understand it, is not in question here. What seems to be in dispute is whether it is the 'done thing' to wear patterned shirts/contrasting tartans with your tartan kilt.

Basically, it is a matter of good taste, or aesthetics. To anyone with a keen eye for what looks right, a tartan (any tartan) can only be set-off, or shown to advantage, by a plain, self-coloured shirt, jacket or sweater - and the colour should compliment, match or be a paler version of one of the colours in the tartan. Preferably, one of the less obvious colours. The kilt itself should be the focus of attention and should not have to vie with anything else.

You should, perhaps, bear in mind that I am seeing all this from a British point of view, and therefore am biased by our traditions. With the greatest respect, the majority of my American brothers seem to relish the prospect of breaking from those traditions and frequently exhibit total disregard for the niceties of good taste - or, at the very least, insist on making a personal statement by their choice of colours and patterns when traditionally kilted in tartan. "This is me. I'll do it my way, and no-one's goin' to tell me otherwise!" Well, you can't always take that selfish attitude. We should all have consideration for others, especially those we are likely to meet.

Personally, I would only ever wear a patterned shirt with a plain, self-coloured kilt; at all other times (ie: when wearing a tartan kilt) I will wear a plain shirt, jacket or sweater. The same applies to my ties, with the exception of crested, clan ties. Even ties matching an identical tartan kilt are, as far as I am concerned, an abomination. It is all a matter of good taste and not offending the eye.

As for the reference to old prints depicting Highlanders sporting two or more tartans together: I would be inclined to think that, in those days, there simply was not the same clothing choice as we have today. A gentleman's wardrobe would have been limited and he would wear whatever was to hand, or he might possibly have been showing his allegiance to more than one clan or family - without giving any thought, from an aesthetic point of view, to how he actually appeared to others.

I know I am not explaining myself at all well here, and for that I apologise (I am extremely tired this evening), but to sum up: Tartan is a gorgeous and a complex pattern. It should stand alone to be seen at its best, and to be admired. Tartan should not have to compete with any other patterns, whether they be Hawaiian prints, polka dots, zig-zags, stripes - or a second tartan!

Just my opinion.......................!