Scottish Govt put the kibosh on Dressed to Kilt

[Woodsheal]

I think it's the old Calvinist fear that someone, somewhere, might be having fun...!

[Phil]

I think it's the old Calvinist fear that someone, somewhere, might be having fun...!

Did you actually read the article?

and here is the one in September - http://heritage.scotsman.com/tartanw...lue.3327033.jp

[thescot]

I think it's the old Calvinist fear that someone, somewhere, might be having fun...!

It's just a joke. Like the old Calvinist proscription agains shaggin' standing up--it might lead to dancing.

[slohairt]

This type of thinking is all too common, I'm afraid. I experienced it in Ireland also. My parents and grandparents rail against it too. The thinking that modernisation equals 'North Americanisation' (not that there's anything wrong with that!)

Here in Canada (and I think I can speak for my American brothers and sisters as well) we have people either from, or descended from, every nation on this planet. To favour or promote the trappings of one culture over another would be foolish at best, and dangerous at the worst.

The Diaspora often has more enthusiasm for the culture of the Mother Country than the modern-day residents of those regions. While promoting a homogenised 'modern' culture, these same residents often perpetuate a contradiction: some of them continue to mock the very same society they are seeking to emulate. (?)

Think of some of the people who have come to this forum every now and then (I won't say who they are), telling us what 'real' Scots do, or what 'Celtic culture' really is, and how everyone else knows nothing. The reality is that most of these people don't engage in anything more 'cultural' than pubbin' an' clubbin'.

As for many North Americans not knowing where or what certain countries are, that is all too true as well. When I tell people I am from Ireland originally, they ask if we still hate being in the British Empire. When I tell them that Ireland is an independent country, that Northern Ireland is still part of the UK, they seem surprised.

"Oh, when did that happen?"
"Um, before you were born, likely."

[Woodsheal]

It's just a joke. Like the old Calvinist proscription against shaggin' standing up--it might lead to dancing.

Thank you! Just a joke. Apologies to all resident Calvinists....

[sharpdressedscot]

Hmm, I think some people are gonna be a wee bit angry about this.

You can't just stop traditions that have been happening for hundreds of years.

[Phil]

Hmm, I think some people are gonna be a wee bit angry about this.

You can't just stop traditions that have been happening for hundreds of years.

Um.. actually Tartan Day is fairly recent. While it would be nice to encourage lots of tourists from New York it just ain't gonna happen. I've seen lots of posts here about why it's best to buy local (and I actually agree with that) and how expensive everything is in Scotland (ditto). So where is the bang for the buck in parading around New York? What our First Minister and his colleagues appear to be planning is to visit several places and no doubt put across his views about a modern Scotland. And while they are at it no doubt some business opportunities will be discussed also.

[McClef]

Alex Salmond is not noted as a frequent kilt wearer to begin with.

The strange thing is when it comes to kilted politicians I have seen more kilted Tories - this is not a political statement, just the way it is.

When representing Scotland abroad one would hope that using the national dress would be appropriate no matter how modern a presentation on Scotland one wishes to make.

[Phil]

One of my father's golfing buddies used to visit the States periodically on business and that was the only time he ever wore a kilt. Said it was marvellous for opening doors over there and getting in for a sale.
I don't know if Alex Salmond does ever wear a kilt but, as you say, it tends to be the "Tory toffs" that you see in it - the likes of Douglas-Hamilton. I must make a point of "spot the kilt wearer".

[Phil]

Alex Salmond is not noted as a frequent kilt wearer to begin with.
When representing Scotland abroad one would hope that using the national dress would be appropriate no matter how modern a presentation on Scotland one wishes to make.

He has been known to wear a kilt -