Hey Robin,

I wear plain kilts much more frequently than I wear tartan ones (of my 58 kilts only 14 are of tartan!) and the problems with other people thinking of them as skirts are no greater than when I am 'tartaned'! Oh, I forgot about the one female neighbour who insists on calling ALL my kilts 'skirts' - she does it simply to wind me up in a joking way and without malice, so I no longer try to correct her. Water off a duck's back really.

During the past two or three years I have also worn plain kilts in France and Belgium where they have been accepted as Scottish kilts (which some of them are!)

By the way, please don't try to make American, Canadian or any other plain alternative or contemporary kilt (especially those with pockets)look 'Scottish' by wearing kilt pins, sporrans, tartan hose, etc. with them. If anyone questions the kilt you are wearing just tell them it is an American or a Canadian kilt or whatever. Be honest about it. The enquirer will be fascinated to learn that fine kilts are made in such places - and such practical kilts too! It never fails for me.