James,

Forgive me if I am misinterpreting your words, but I get the feeling that you wish to see the kilt remain a National Costume, rather than evolve and return to being an item of everyday menswear. It's been evolving since men first wrapped lengths of homespun about themselves - why should the process stop where it is now?

By all means, let us retain the formal, evening dress styles which include the lace and the silver accessories - next month, I take delivery of a new doublet, which will once again give me a choice : Prince Charlie or something a little more 'romantic' for those special occasions. Let us also retain the option of wearing a tweed Argyll jacket with sgian dubh, brown day-sporran, belt and shoes for formal day-wear, when the wearer thinks it appropriate or circumstances dictate.

Please, however, do not sneer or refer to the "feminization" of the kilt simply because numerous versions of the casual kilt are now emerging from the dust of well-established kiltmakers' workrooms, and from the new and refreshing makers of alternative kilts. These casual kilts, because they can be worn very informally with or without all the traditional trimmings, are opening up a whole new world for many men and, very importantly, young men. A large proportion of whom would not otherwise dream of donning a kilt.

I will very happily wear a sgian dubh in my hose top if I am dressed formally for an evening or day event, but I see no reason at all, nor am I under any obligation, to wear one at other times. To do so makes me neither look nor feel more masculine, or manly. It is just a part of the 'costume' and by wearing it I am not showing increased respect to The Kilt in any way, shape or form.

I will agree with you on the matter of the "real" kilt being a "tough outdoor garment", but I have a great deal more respect for those in my wardrobe than to purposely give any of them a filthy mud-bath. Accidental is one thing, but planned is something else altogether.

Also, I would agree about Ghillie-shoes, apart from the fact that I, as a lifelong dancer, would not attempt to do much dancing in them! Ghillie pumps yes, but not the shoes with all that ghastly lacing up the legs!

Having been a kilt-wearer for over 50 years, there is much more I could say in response to your post, but I'll save it for another occasion