Just a whiney complaint...

[macwilkin]

Well said, Matt. Most folks (at least here in the States) who see us wearing a kilt probably assume we are either trying to emulate the Mel Gibson version of William Wallace or trying to look like a member of a pipe band, because these are, quite frankly, the most likely kilt experiences that the average American has had. It's natural for folks to not understand the use of a kilt as a modern clothing option. We do blur the boundaries, with leather and antler accessories, so it's understandable that some folks are confused at first. I am always quick to explain this to folks who are curious enough to ask, and that is what I would hope that we all strive to do.

And this is why I am loathe to make witty retorts to "the question", or to carry an inordinate number of blades, etc. If we are advocating that the kilt is a modern garment, our actions need to reflect that.

Well said, Matt, Scott and Tartan Hiker, especially the post above!

Not only does the public have a perception of kilts from movies like Braveheart, but so do many first-time kilt-wearers. I think this is why we see folks showing up at formal functions like a Burns Supper armed to the teeth with a claymore over the back, dirks, powder horns, etc.

Like Matt, I'm all for historic reenacting and living history -- but it has its place, just as modern Highland attire does as well.

One final point that should be mentioned -- not every Scot wore a kilt in days of old. For those of us with ancestors from the Lowlands, Borders and/or Ulster, the kilt was associated with the "wild savages of the North". It's only relatively recently that Lowland families have adopted tartans and other trappings of Highland kit.

Regards,

Todd