The Royal Mile

[OC Richard]

...such a law would be highly discriminatory anyway... bordering on racist. It would be challenged as such and probably overturned.

Discriminatory yes, discriminating against kilts, bagpipes, and sporrans (at the very least) which are made outwith the UK.

Racist no. Whether a set of pipes is made in Pakistan or Canada, by a native Pakistani or a white Canadian, it would be illegal to import into the UK for resale under this approach.

The absurdity of having tourists from all over the world come to Scotland to buy Scottish kilts and bagpipes etc, but end up with goods not made in Scotland, I think might be felt by most people.

[wvpiper]

I've seen a video clip of Howie from 21st century kilts discuss the fact he is working on a fix. Here's an article about it

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...ss-789340.html

[McClef]

A "fix" that has been discussed before with many opinions, even from those who produce quality kilts, but outside of Scotland against it as being too Draconian. It would have excluded cloth woven in England even if the kilt were then made in Scotland too.

[wildrover]

From the article:

A typical adult Scottish kilt uses about eight yards of tartan wool and the hem sits just below the knee

[Brian K]

From the article:

You noticed that, to, eh? Somebody needs to do better research!!

[OC Richard]

A "fix" that has been discussed before with many opinions, even from those who produce quality kilts, but outside of Scotland against it as being too Draconian. It would have excluded cloth woven in England even if the kilt were then made in Scotland too.

Yes that does sound too draconian as you say. I would favour a UK approach rather than a Scotland-only approach, though getting London on board with such a thing might be impossible.

[McClef]

Yes that does sound too draconian as you say. I would favour a UK approach rather than a Scotland-only approach, though getting London on board with such a thing might be impossible.

For anyone that might be interested the original thread (now closed) is here http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...r-kilts-35061/

[DougC]

I liked the article--alcohol and cheese have all regulated themselves (okay, cheese and alcohol don't regulate themselves--people regulate those items!). At the risk of bopping the noses of vendors here, a Scottish kilt should be made in Scotland with Scottish material...that is the gist of the article. But, by removing the country of origin, a kilt is still a kilt no matter where it is made.

[Nick Fiddes]

I think we're in danger of confusing two things here. One is country of origin. The other is quality and authenticity.

Personally, despite my perhaps having a vested interest in the 'protectionist' argument (because we make a point of selling almost exclusively things actually produced in Scotland) I'd be against saying a kilt had to be made in Scotland. For me Scotland and Scottishness is very much a global thing, and our community is made very much stronger by the international dimension. Many of the most active clans have their chiefs overseas, and many of the best pipe bands come from overseas, etc. etc. I see no reason to deny Scots abroad (which is a state of mind as much as a matter of blood) the right to pursue our national customs just as much as those who have stayed or come in the other direction.

Quality, however, is quite another matter. And by that I don't only mean quality of product, but also (without wishing to sound snobbish... bear with me) quality of person. My problem with the Singhs and their fellow tartan tat merchants is that in my view they have done more to destroy the real 'Heritage of Scotland' than any other people or events. By flogging badly made ladies' skirts made from flimsy inaccurate tartans and calling them "Scottish kilts" they are seriously undermining the true traditions that sustain us. And by ruthlessly copying (i.e. stealing) the original work of those who do honour our traditions (which include creatively reinventing them, as healthy traditions should always evolve) they have acted without the integrity that has been a traditional hallmark of the Scottish way of business, whilst destroying the incentive of the real artisans to innovate. I find that quite despicable. And it's nothing to do with commercial interest that I really do resent anyone shopping with them, and so supporting their activity.

This has nothing to do with racism. Scotland has always been a nation that welcomes incomers, and thrives on their contribution. In fact, ironically, I think it's likely their disreputable activities (which go way beyond copyright infringement) would have been more severely stamped upon years ago if the powers that be weren't terrified of being accused of such. So in effect they play the race card in their own favour. It's all about tradition, including the tradition of fair dealing and fair play that the Gold Brothers (who literally started as barrow boys) simply don't seem to care about one bit.

There have been mutterings recently from local politicians about trying to put a thumb in the tide of tartan tat on the high street. But without a much more serious effort to protect what remains of our centuries-old national reputation for high quality goods and services, I fear that the experience of so many visitors being met with such high profile evidence of utter rubbish wherever they look will soon destroy that longstanding and hard-earned economic trump card. If we had wise politicians capable of strategic thinking they would see that. But I can discern little evidence that any such understanding exists. Perhaps we get what we deserve.

[Radge]

Agree 100% Nick. These punters are parasites who devalue Scottish workmanship and culture.