As I recall, both RAH and Jerry Pournelle had kilted characters in their science fiction, so there is a connection.

Also, in that some fans appear kilted at conventions.

I have my own creative writing project, a parody of space opera. As for serious science fiction, I think that-depending on the context-a writer should consider the future popularity of kilting. That may be just part of the background, but it would be an obvious, visible change.