Transitioning to Kilts (and Scotland)

[macbheatha]

Please bear in mind that there are local options when it comes to buying a kilt; you do not need to spend your money in Edinburgh.

Highland House in St Andrews is reputed to be very good and I can personally vouch for Keith Scott in nearby Dundee.

You may also be interested to know that the University has its own tartan.

Best of luck...

rb

[Heming]

Hi,

Having done the "uni in Scotland"-thing, I thought I'd chip in, although much will no doubt be old news.

CONGRATULATIONS on going to Scotland! The weather is all over the place, but you'll love the people, food and drinks!

1 - I believe some universities would frown upon undergraduates wearing the university tartan - ask before you order your kilt. As for me, I'd go with your clan tartan or any general or fashion tartan you like. Such as Scottish National, or a black and grey of your choice (there are many to choose from). Bottom line is know what tartan you're wearing and why, "black watch" and "because i like it" are both right answers. "Dunno" and "it was on sale" don't sound as convincing...

2 - Don't get your fancy kilt in the US, and don't get your knock-about kilt there either! High quality US made kilts will of course be every bit as high quality as the ones made in Scotland, but you won't save any money and you'd be carrying coals to Newcastle. So if baggage restrictions is an issue, buy your kilt(s) when you get there. At least that's what I did, and I'm happy I waited! Do get your modern-style canvas kilts in the US, because they (virtually) don't exist in Scotland. I recommend visiting kilt makers in your area (there are several) and asking for ex-hire kilts in your size. Top notch kilt for less!

3 - Expect anything from nasty scorn to mild confusion when you show up in a Utilikilt or similar. You'll be the only one in St. Andrews wearing one, probably the only one owning one, and quite possibly the only one who's ever seen one. That said, do wear it, just know that it's as exotic in Scotland as it is in America (possibly more). There will be more modern kilts in Edinburgh, but still not a lot.

4 - Don't wear your good kilt to class - firstly, it's a waste, secondly, it's a waste, and thirdly, a traditional kilt is not something you want to waste. Get a selection of very cheap pub-kilts to roll around in on the grass (make sure you catch summer, it may pass while you have your nap one day), go to class, the pub, the library and the park. Expect your classmates to wonder what the occasion is if you show up to class in an expensive-looking kilt, even if the rest of your attire is streetwear.

5 - Let your first good kilt be a traditional 8-yd knife pleated hand sewn number. That's what the others will be wearing for graduation or balls etc, and you'll feel less out of place. Box pleated kilts, although lovely, will by most scots be seen as either a rather strange invention, or, if the scot in question is more well-informed, historic attire.

hm... I can see my buddy-like tone doesn't compute on the screen, but please believe me when I say I only mean this as advice and opinion, only my experience, and not by any means rules that must be followed :-)

Above all, wear what you like whenever you want for casual situations - and (just my advice again) keep to "the rules" in formal situations. "Dress down Friday" may very well mean "loose the waistcoat, keep the tie" in places, so if an invitation has a dress code, don't be creative.

I'll tell you about creative in a different post, at a different time...

Enjoy your stay in Scotland, and make it long!

Best regards,

Heming

[Mike_Oettle]

The problem with the five-yard kilt is that it doesn’t swing properly — one of the first things I was taught in my regiment was how to get the kilt to swing.
A kilt can be in any colour you choose — black, white, or anything in between.
Personally I dislike the trend towards grey and black, but I see no harm in a plain blue, red or green kilt (or some other colour if you prefer).
For myself I plan on getting a denim kilt when money is not so scarce, but to be a kilted man one really needs something in tartan.
At any rate, that’s my humble opinion.
Regards,
Mike