Kilts abroad

[Stratherrick]

Whenever I'm in Scotland, I wear my kilt full-time, whether that be in the capital or on a hillside. Either place, it's just accepted by the locals as I'm 'playing at home', to use a football expression.

I was just wondering, do folks get genuinely jaw-dropping looks from locals in other parts of the world? Many of you have said you get the furtive glances, sly comments etc, but have you literally 'stopped the traffic' or had somebody come up and shake your hand vigourously, astounded at the sight before them? Either that, or any other OTT reactions, good or bad I suppose while I'm asking?!

Slainte

Bruce

[Richard]

Living a bit lower than you in the UK, the only time I have seen another guy in a Kilt was at a wedding and I'm the only one in my small village that has a kilt so I get a lot of smiles, some kids have tried to take the piss out of me, the last time I was asked "why are you wearing a Kilt" they said it is "Billy Connolly's birthday" ??.
It's funny when I wear my kilt people just want to talk to you about it, I know you stand out from the crowd, but I wonder if I would get the same response if I wore a skirt, I don't think so, but would get some abuse I'm sure.

[Jock Scot]

Yes, I am afraid that I caused a car crash in Avranches,Normandy,France whilst standing on the side of the road wearing the kilt after attending a wedding at the beautiful Abbey there. It all seemingly happened in slow motion----one car coming from the right, drivers head turns to look at me and promptly drove into an on coming car! Fortunately they were both going slowly and no one was hurt. The ensuing shamozzle was a wonder to behold!

[Cavebear58]

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[KFCarter]

The theatre I run is in the Historic District of Savannah and we there is a tremendous amount of tourist traffic in our neighborhood, much of it from overseas. I've had many folks ask to pose for photos with me. Comments usually don't go much past "nice kilt" however two times I've had visitors from Scotland stop and chat for a bit, in both instances the conversations started with something along the lines of "so nice to see a proper kilt in Savannah".

One couple, in particular, having just been waited on by a bartender in a Utilikilt, shouted at me from across our neighboring square and then came all the way across the square just to tell me how pleased they were to see a traditional kilt.

[McMurdo]

I've had loads of reactions over the past three years. What I've noticed is that as time goes by I get more compliments than anything else. This is not always the case though and makes harsh comments and reactions that much worse. When we were in North Carolina early this year, one local and I almost came to blows, I could not believe it at the time as it really has nothing to do with anyone but me what I choose to wear.

[cessna152towser]

I've worn kilts in Europe, in Canada, and in the Canary Isles. Most people pay no attention though I have had the occasional positive response. You do need to watch out in the Spanish Costa del Sol for pickpockets though, I have been dipped three times by thieves there, twice from cargo kilt pockets and once from a sporran.

[McFarkus]

Saturday (Proscription Day) Turpin and I strolled through the small town of Galena, Illinois in our kilts with three of his kids. We got a lot of stares, mostly from tourists. A couple of ladies insisted we take photos with them (sorry, we don't have any), and a store owner practically dragged us in to have a glass of wine.

[JRB]

The reactions I find the most amusing are the non-reactions; people that make an overt attempt to ignore the fact that I'm kilted even though I can tell they are surprised.

[Stratherrick]

Some brilliant stories, guys! Just what I was looking for.

The closest I came to an 'event' was in Glencoe a few years back. While looking at the mini waterfall and pool near the top of the hill, on a bend, a German telly crew came running down the hill and were sooo keen to film me for a promotional tourism film they were putting together!

The tourists roundabout were well chuffed to be in on the take.

Slainte

Bruce