No Kilts seen in Scotland!

[figheadair]

I was in Edinburgh this week, kilted as I often am. I saw one other person at Waverley wearing a kilt, and of course the ubiquitous piper outside the station. For me it made sense as I was going to a dinner and therefore only needed to take a different jacket (+sporran, hose, shirt, tie etc.).

[kilted2000]

Just to be clear, assuming a tourist was trying to be respectful and wasn't being rude, and was dressed to an appropriate level for the occasion, is there anything wrong with this tourist wearing a kilt in Scotland?

If it is best for a tourist not to wear a kilt in Scotland, then wouldn't that apply to non-Scots wearing it outwith Scotland?

[figheadair]

Just to be clear, assuming a tourist was trying to be respectful and wasn't being rude, and was dressed to an appropriate level for the occasion, is there anything wrong with this tourist wearing a kilt in Scotland?

If it is best for a tourist not to wear a kilt in Scotland, then wouldn't that apply to non-Scots wearing it outwith Scotland?

I don't think most people would mind. Given that most Scots don't wear the kilt regularly, they might think it a little strange, but that applies to those of us living here too.

The overseas question is an interesting one. I understand people wearing a kilt for/to Scottish related events but I do find it a little strange when people chose to wear the kilt is places and doing things that are completely unrelated to Scottish activities. I have a particular dislike of the modern so-called Utility Kilt. Ask most Scots their opinion of those and I'm sure the first thing they would say is that it's a skirt.

[Jock Scot]

Just to be clear, assuming a tourist was trying to be respectful and wasn't being rude, and was dressed to an appropriate level for the occasion, is there anything wrong with this tourist wearing a kilt in Scotland?

If it is best for a tourist not to wear a kilt in Scotland, then wouldn't that apply to non-Scots wearing it outwith Scotland?

A general answer to both questions.You can wear the kilt almost anywhere in the world you like. However, it is not wise to take the view that everyone will be impressed by your attire choice.

[kilted2000]

A general answer to both questions.You can wear the kilt almost anywhere in the world you like. However, it is not wise to take the view that everyone will be impressed by your attire choice.

I'm not concerned with impressing, I just don't want to be treated with disdain or even disliked just for wearing a kilt.

[Jock Scot]

I'm not concerned with impressing, I just don't want to be treated with disdain or even disliked just for wearing a kilt.

Aha! Yet again, British understatement is misunderstood. Sorry, my fault.

I am afraid that you might/will be "treated with disdain" and " even disliked" by some "just for wearing the kilt" and for all sorts of reasons, wherever you might be in the world. It happens on occasion, get used to it.

[FossilHunter]

Aha! Yet again, British understatement is misunderstood. Sorry, my fault.

I am afraid that you might/will be "treated with disdain" and " even disliked" by some "just for wearing the kilt" and for all sorts of reasons, wherever you might be in the world. It happens on rare occasion, get used to it.

And the reality is that this can be the case with any clothing. Some people may not like one’s level of dress, choice of shoes, logo on a t-shirt, etc. Wear a suit and one may think you’re a snob, where shorts and another may think you’re a slob. You just do your best to be respectful and know that most people won’t take it too much to heart and most will never say anything regardless.

[Iain Ruaidh]

Re "kilt spotted in Fort William"

@Jock Scot - I don't think it was you that I saw in August, unless you are 6ft with curly hair and walk home from school with your mates.

[Jock Scot]

Re "kilt spotted in Fort William"

@Jock Scot - I don't think it was you that I saw in August, unless you are 6ft with curly hair and walk home from school with your mates.

No no not me! Honest Guv.. Whilst I am a tad over 6ft and my hair, what is left of it, is grey and straight. Besides, I have not worn the kilt for over a year. I did wear the kilt around Fort William quite often when the mood took and intend to again, one of these days.

[OC Richard]

The overseas question is an interesting one. I understand people wearing a kilt for/to Scottish related events but I do find it a little strange when people chose to wear the kilt is places and doing things that are completely unrelated to Scottish activities.

That's where I'm at. I wear Highland Dress when required, as a piper, but in addition I'll wear Highland Dress when attending Highland Games as a non-competitor.

In this respect I'm out of step with virtually all pipers who, when not competing or judging, wouldn't dream of appearing anywhere in Highland Dress.

When not competing at a Games I'll meet piping buddies and their first question, when seeing me in Highland Dress, is "competing?"

When I say "no" they give me an odd questioning glance. Why on earth would I be kilted then?

I have a particular dislike of the modern so-called Utility Kilt. Ask most Scots their opinion of those and I'm sure the first thing they would say is that it's a skirt.

I was there almost at the very moment and place of birth.

Utilikilts were invented in 2000 by a guy in Seattle. Shortly afterwards our piping community saw them for our first time, when Utilikilts set up a booth at one of our West Coast Highland Games.

The universal verdict from our piping community was intense dislike. Pipers may hate having to wear Highland Dress at Games, but they take pride in their kit, and turn up their noses at anything other than a traditional wool full-yardage kilt.

"A wrinkly skirt" was the most-heard comment from pipers.

To be fair to the inventor, he's been consistent in saying that Utilikilts are not Highland Dress, and he's refused numerous requests to make them in tartan.

(Soon the Utilikilt idea was copied by numerous firms who dubbed their copies "utility kilts".)