Interesting email from an Irish fellow about Irish kilts.

[PGH]

I doubt that many of them knew what "British" even meant as this was in 1600 - before the Union of Paliaments

I agree with your sentiment, but as a bit of trivia the term "Great Britain" was coined by King James VI/I around 1604 after the crowns were united.

[Paul]

I agree with your sentiment, but as a bit of trivia the term "Great Britain" was coined by King James VI/I around 1604 after the crowns were united.

True. But very few people in all of Scotland, England and Wales considered themselves British - as the term was never really used widely until the Scottish parliament was defunct.
The main reason for the plantations was religion... not nationality.