Kilted in York

[porrick]

I failed to find the thread where one of you some tima ago asked about kilt+friendliness in York...

Anyway, I'm York at the moment, and went about kilted last evening/night. I only overheard/encountered two references to me being kilted.

On my way to meet someone, I overheard "hey, a kiltie" - but didn't have time to turn around to see where it came from. On my way back a few minutes later, I found the comment came from an older fellow in a wheelchair. He left Scotland as a boy, and was delighted to see a kiltie. He was appologetic that he couldn't recognize the tartan. On learning it was the IrishTara/Murphy, he was puzzled as he wasn't aware of Irish tartans. His same-age friend could tell him about the spreading traditions - which both approved of.

The other incident was out with friends at 1 AM: an animated and tattoed local called out "hey Gordon, where are your trousers!?" I was tempted to respond "in your wife's hand bag", but settled for "why do you want to know?" Local response was "you've got guts. Enjoy York!"

Apart from the two incidents, no stares or comments reached me, and life went on as normal for everyone.

PS
Pour1Malt: if you happen to read this, I'll be leaving York by 1 tomorrow, and heading directly for Dumfries.

[cessna152towser]

I've worn my black goth Mercy kilt in York city centre and along the city wall and it wasn't an issue. No comments nor stares and I even encountered another guy in a black goth kilt who gave a friendly nod. At one point there was some sort of commotion behind me with some loudmouth shouting "You look like a stupid idiot" but I assumed the comment wasn't aimed at me as it wasn't made to my face and I didn't bother to look round.

[Scotty-x]

Just have to say when I walked to the store in my Kilt and my wife was in the car, a couple was behind me and she overheard them say " Now i seen everything!"
I am glad I made his day-so to say.

[Robin]

York is a lovely city...lots of medieval buildings, nice shops and friendly people, I always love to visit York (and the Yorkshire dales).

[porrick]

York is a lovely city...lots of medieval buildings, nice shops and friendly people, I always love to visit York (and the Yorkshire dales).

I totally agree - and come back every year!

Yesterday I got talking with a couple Irish-Scottish lads from Glasgow doing contracting work in York. Unfortunately I was not kilted, but when I told them I often go kilted, they kicked themselves for not wearing theirs more often. They always go kilted to formal occasions, but when I told them about the interest in kilts in other countries they saw no reason why they shouldn't wear theirs casually too - and intended doing so occasionally.

Well, off to pick up a rental car and set forth - Ferintosh next stop!

[Robin]

they kicked themselves for not wearing theirs more often.

We go a bit off topic now, but this reaction I often heard in Scotland.
Some dropped their jaw when I told them kilts are worn casual worldwide and most didn't knew about all the international tartans in excistense now.
Many...after giving it a good thought and often fiercly encouraged by the spouse...agreed it's not that strange to wear the kilt more often.
Some even thanked me for wearing kilts (ok...mostly women )

Xmarkers must keep bombarding "the homeland" with their kilted appearance, we might convert a few and start a chain reaction

Okey...I'm a dreamer :rolleyes:

[Pour1Malt]

see ya soon Porrick!

[Phil Wright]

York's my local stomping ground, but I have to confess I haven't been into the town centre kilted yet. I went to the local designer outlet park - (cut price fashion) with my wife and there were no comments there. I think many Brits would keep quiet if the partner is present, but I've wondered if the reaction would have been the same if I was on my own. Haven't lost too much sleep about it though

Phil

[Master Boid]

Most Brits are well aware of kilts so you don't usually get any 'skirt' comments. This is probably why, when some people tell Brits they are from the US, we get so shocked by it.

Keep the kilting going! York is a highly medieval town and has been close to Scotland throughout history and even sacked once or twice. hence the law about shooting a Scotsman between something like 9-12 at night with a bow (probably a longbow.)

Your's in kilt

James

[Tartan Hiker]

Okay...I'm a dreamer :rolleyes:

...but you're not the only one.
Someday all the trou-sered will join us,
and the wor-o-o-old will be one!