If I were to visit Scotland...

[kilty]

... would it scream "tourist" if I were to wear my kilt?

My maternal grandmother, Betsy Bruce MacKay, was born in Coupar Angus Fife and I would love to visit there as well as the rest of the country. I would love to wear my Ancient MacKay kilt but I wonder if it would "label" me as an "outlander"?

[ForresterModern]

I wore kilts nine out of ten days in scotland last year when we visited, and, other than the day we spent at the Strathmore Highland Games, only saw a few native scots kilted while there---several at one wedding, a few lone pipers here and then, one guy who worked at a shop on the Royal mile and one doorman at the Balmoral Hotel. Only other folks I saw who were kilted were tourists like me---one guy I met who was in my group and was wearing a high quality tank, and a couple random tourists in ill fitting low end casual kilts. It was pretty obvious I was a tourist becasue very few natives actually wear a kilt for anything other than major occasions---weddings, funerals, Burns Suppers, Highland games, etc...

Don't worry about sticking out, though, as you would stick out anyway. At least in a kilt you look like you are trying to"fit in", as long as you do it with classic scottish traditional style and not in a slovenly manner---they will appreciate it. Kind of like visiting France and trying to order at a cafe in broken french--the waiters like you better just for trying, even if you butcher it, at least you tried things their way. You show an effort to acknowledge and honor their language and heritage instead of dragging your own around andforcing it on the locals.

I got lots of compliments from store sales people, waiters and waitresses, hotel personnel, strangers on the street (both natives and other tourists) and only the occasional snigger behind my back, usually from other tourists. The locals were very respectful, at least to your face. Wear your kilt with pride, and don't be surprised if some other tourists stop you on the street to ask directions expecting you to be a local yourself. Enjoy.

[raibeart_dubh]

I wore a couple of my kilts while in Scotland this year. Nobody knew I was an American until I actually spoke to them. I saw a few other kilted lads and gents while there as well. All in all, wear it with confidence and style and you have nothing to worry about.

[kiltedwolfman]

We just spent our honeymoon in Scotland and I was kilted the whole time. I got nothing but compliments from people I spoke to, and an unusually high number of pictures taken of me by other tourists who for some reason thought that since I was kilted I must be a native Scot. LOL

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

If I were to go to Scotland kilted, I imagine I would speak in my Eastern European that I can emulate from Dad's side of the family... you know, to mess with people.

[GMan]

Just be natural.

[Stratherrick]

When I go north of the border, even if it's only for a day's mooch about the capital, I ALWAYS wear my kilt. The trick to not stand out too much is to dress down, though, at the same time.

I generally wear my kilt with walking boots and a plain shirt or T-shirt in the summer and with a jumper (light lambswool or heavy cableknit depending on whether it's dipped below zero).

Cheers

Bruce

[Jock Scot]

I wore kilts nine out of ten days in scotland last year when we visited, and, other than the day we spent at the Strathmore Highland Games, only saw a few native scots kilted while there---several at one wedding, a few lone pipers here and then, one guy who worked at a shop on the Royal mile and one doorman at the Balmoral Hotel. Only other folks I saw who were kilted were tourists like me---one guy I met who was in my group and was wearing a high quality tank, and a couple random tourists in ill fitting low end casual kilts. It was pretty obvious I was a tourist becasue very few natives actually wear a kilt for anything other than major occasions---weddings, funerals, Burns Suppers, Highland games, etc...

Don't worry about sticking out, though, as you would stick out anyway. At least in a kilt you look like you are trying to"fit in", as long as you do it with classic scottish traditional style and not in a slovenly manner---they will appreciate it. Kind of like visiting France and trying to order at a cafe in broken french--the waiters like you better just for trying, even if you butcher it, at least you tried things their way. You show an effort to acknowledge and honor their language and heritage instead of dragging your own around andforcing it on the locals.

I got lots of compliments from store sales people, waiters and waitresses, hotel personnel, strangers on the street (both natives and other tourists) and only the occasional snigger behind my back, usually from other tourists. The locals were very respectful, at least to your face. Wear your kilt with pride, and don't be surprised if some other tourists stop you on the street to ask directions expecting you to be a local yourself. Enjoy.

I can not say it any better, particularly the bit about not wearing the kilt in a "slovenly manner".

[Phil]

The locals here always like to see the kilt worn, even if they don't do it all the time themselves. Just remember that they are not used to seeing anything other than traditional tartan kilts.

[Jimmy]

Yes, wear your kilt as often as you want in Scotland, as a previous post stated most Scots wear the kilt when there is an occassion but there is still plenty of kilties about especially in Edinburgh.
the great thing about wearing a kilt in Scotland is that it is so accepted, well it is out national dress.
The kilt is so popular now, nearly every male adult has worn one at sometime or another and there is no doubt that any remarks, and you will get remarks, are always complimentary, I can' t remember anyone saying something uncomplimentary about me wearing a kilt.
Scots love to see people wear their mational costume but what I would suggest is if you are wearing it every day, wear it in a casual manner not the full regalia.