Quote Originally Posted by O'Callaghan View Post
I would just add that they do have plenty of pipe bands in the Republic too, not just in the North, and those were the ones I was talking about, not those in the North. Their origins have nothing to do with Scotland as such.

I agree, though, that kilts could be misinterpreted in the North, although I have never been there (the North, that is, I have indeed visited the Republic). I would especially be concerned, rightly or wrongly, that a saffron kilt might be interpreted as representing the loyalist cause in the North, even though it is worn by the pipers in the armed forces of the Republic as well as by those in the Irish regiments of the British Army.
I just returned form Belfast a few weeks ago, and I can tell you that a kilt IS a political statement in the North. Unless you are prepared to support a side, personally I would not suggest a kilt. Rural Northern Ireland would be a bit safer, but there are parts in the North, even after all of the peace they have enjoyed, that I would not feel comfortable in with a kilt on.