no kilts in Scotland?

[chacbalam]

KILT, n. A costume sometimes worn by Scotchmen in America and Americans in Scotland. (Ambrose Bierce's Devil's Dictionary)

While I don't agree with this deffinition, especially the "costume" part. I do wonder how prevalent kilt wearing actually is in Scotland. I have always heard that for most people a kilt is hired when needed for a special event, but other than that, kilts are not very common. I know that inexpensive "sport kilts" are becoming more common at certain football games and the like.

If I wore one of my Gordon kilts in Scottland would I stick out as an American tourist or would I be accepted? What about a non-traditional Kilt such as Freedom kilts or a UK.

[Kilted Taper]

What about a non-traditional Kilt such as Freedom kilts or a UK.

My brother-in-law recently returned from a trip to Scotland with his parents. He wore a UK one day in Edinburgh. Said it was like walking around here in the states. Lots of confused looks...folks not quite sure to make of it. But he felt very comfortable walking around.

[Colin]

This might be a bold statement, but given the number of people in North America versus the number of people in Scotland. I would be willing to bet there are still more kilt wearers in Scotland than in North American based on population. Yes North America is a diverse country, but so is Scotland now. Of course I am not talking about actually numbers, but percentage.

We all get engulfed in the fact that the membership at xmarks grows, so the number of kilt wearers is growing. We have to remember that alot of people were wearing kilts before they found this forum, and that some did in fact start after finding the forum. However with a population in the millions, we at this site are still only 1100 members strong (at the time of this message), joined by the unknown number of people that wear their knilts but don't join online discussion forums.

[cessna152towser]

I attended a committee meeting in our local high school last night (not kilted) and was surprised by the impressive range of photos of school events all around the entrance hall, covering school dances, parents nights, prizegivings etc. as in the majority of the photos pupils and teachers appear kilted yet I have never seen any of these people walking around kilted in our local streets. However it can only be a good sign that young Scots people are getting brought up to wear kilts even if only in the privacy of their own school.

[NewKilt]

I attended a committee meeting in our local high school last night (not kilted) and was surprised by the impressive range of photos of school events all around the entrance hall, covering school dances, parents nights, prizegivings etc. as in the majority of the photos pupils and teachers appear kilted yet I have never seen any of these people walking around kilted in our local streets. However it can only be a good sign that young Scots people are getting brought up to wear kilts even if only in the privacy of their own school.

I hope that this leads to a revival of kilt wearing. When I ordered my UK Mocker yesterday they said that they actually sell more kilts here in the states to middle-aged men. They had targeted events that draw young people, but sales were not what they expected. Possibly because middle-aged men and older were more secure and confident. So introducing the kilt earlier may be key.

It would certainly be great if what you mentioned above were occuring in the states - but alas, look what it took for Nathan Warwick here in Missouri to get permission to wear a kilt to school.

Darrell

[davedove]

I hope that this leads to a revival of kilt wearing. When I ordered my UK Mocker yesterday they said that they actually sell more kilts here in the states to middle-aged men. They had targeted events that draw young people, but sales were not what they expected. Possibly because middle-aged men and older were more secure and confident. So introducing the kilt earlier may be key.

I'm sure it's also because middle-aged men have greater incomes to buy kilts. It's not a cheap upfront cost.

[Colin]

I'm sure it's also because middle-aged men have greater incomes to buy kilts. It's not a cheap upfront cost.

Besides the disposable income I think middle aged men are more comfortable with who they are. Young men are full of bravado but sway with trends and media.

[auld argonian]

I'm rather suprised...whatever happened to romatically rebelious young guys? You'd think that they'd be the ones with the "go to hell" attitude and the physiques to carry off the kilted thing!

I've made a point of telling everyone who comments on the kilt, "Hey! It's the latest thing...by summer you'll all be wearing them!" hoping to plant the seeds of a fashion trend. Just let Johnny Depp wear one to the Oscars and they'll be beating the doors down at all the kilt makers!

Best

AA

[UmAnOnion]

Besides the disposable income I think middle aged men are more comfortable with who they are. Young men are full of bravado but sway with trends and media.

I think you hit the nail on the head here Colin.

I belong to another community that takes the concept of going regimental to its furthest possible extent, if you know what i mean. We run into the same situation there in that the younger folks are too hung up about their bodies to participate, whereas the older more mature folks have gotten past that BS and are more about relaxing & living free from unnecessary restrictions.

oh why is youth wasted on the young?!?!?!!?

edit: what a post to go samurai on... sheesh!!!

[kiltedpride]

You's see almost 65,000 kilts at the Rugby International Scotland v France this Sunday in Edinburgh. Scots always wear the kilt to attend the rugby. Then 900 kiltied guys will attend the Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard Ceilidh on 18th February at the Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh. 30 will attend the Sporran Clan Meetup at the Claremont Bar in Edinburgh on 11th February - and that is just a fraction of what is happening in Scotland.
Jamie