Folks, the Boys Scouts of America is not a heritage organization and therefore cultural/ethnic clothing is not accepted part of uniform wear, with the exception of those items worn in religious observance (e.g. the yarmulke - kippah, or skullcap - for Jewish Scouts, the turban for Sikh Scouts, etc.). Since it is a private organization, it does have a say in what its members can and cannot wear, especially in public, as what its members wear reflects back on the organization. That's why all members are encouraged to wear the complete uniform correctly (whichever form of uniform they're wearing - see below).

Originally Posted by MuffinMan
This was not uniform night, that is one night a month where everyone wears the correct uniform, the other nights the boys come in their troop shirts with shorts or pants. This is when I wear my kilt so there is no problem with the uniform police.

MM
If the unit is not requiring uniform wear to the meetings on a particular night, then the Scout should wear whatever he chooses. However, IMO, if no uniform is not required, then no part of the uniform should be worn (that includes troop t-shirts, or any other item identifying the individual as a Scout).

The two uniforms accepted by the BSA (per the Boy Scout Handbook, 11th Edition, pp. 12-13) are the complete official uniform (a.k.a. the "Field Uniform") - the Scout long- or short-sleeved shirt, Scout pants or shorts, Scout belt & buckle, and Scout socks - or a modified uniform for outdoor activities (a.k.a. the "Activity Uniform"), replacing the Scout shirt with a troop or camp t-shirt. Paraphrasing from the Insignia Guide, no other additions/subtractions may be made without approval from the Executive Board.

My troop also wears the Field Uniform to meetings once a month, wearing the Activity Uniform to the other meetings. The only exceptions allowed are those Scouts coming directly from athletic practice to the meeting and the once-a-month Patrol Leader's Council meeting. Many of our Scouts can't afford to purchase uniform parts upon joining, so allowances are made until they have earned the money (through troop-sponsored fund-raisers, etc.). Then they are encouraged to get the needed uniform parts. The experienced Scouts in the troop (especially those in leadership positions) are expected to wear the appropriate complete uniform.

As I've said in another thread, the local Scout professionals look the other way when I'm wearing my kilt with my uniform shirt, etc., because I'm playing my pipes and there's a context for the kilt. I have been informed by more than one professional from the council office that I should not wear the kilt with the uniform (either the khaki-tan shirt or a Scout t-shirt) at any other time, in any other context. If I do, I could be asked to leave the event or removed from membership in Scouting. As much as I like to wear my kilt, I follow that advice because I enjoy Scouting more.