American tourists in Scotland

[Lachlan09]

When I was a boy, we used to call flat bunnets "coo's caps", after their similarity to organically-produced extruded items typically found on a cow pasture.

Sorry to reminisce, but my Dad had a brown corduroy one which he donated to me when I was a boy, so I could pretend to be a Scottish league goalie. Goalies like Billy Ritchie of the ‘Gers wore one. I later got an ex-US forces olive-green baseball cap, so I could imitate Jim Cruickshank, the goalie of my favourite team, Heart of Midlothian FC (aka Hearts, Jam Tarts, Jambos, The Maroons, The Maroon Machine).

In fact, in the early 1960’s, years before accurate replica team kit was available on the market, you could only get a variety of v-necks. So for kids, imitation shirts were:- Aberdeen was a red/white v-neck, Rangers was a mid blue and white v-neck (with wrong white sleeve edging), Celtic was all green with white v-neck (no hoops), Hibs was same as Celtic (not even all-white sleeves). Hearts was maroon/white v-neck. All pathetic !! I I got my mum to convert my not-so convincing maroon/white Hearts V-neck, short sleeved strip into a passable imitation of their unique collar/infill front team shirt, by sewing on one of my dad’s old white detachable collars (complete with stud-hole) and a triangle of white elastic material over the v-front. My mum also sewed a white number on the back. I was so proud to be a “proper” Jam Tart. I was still a bit miffed about the socks through. Hearts often wore white socks with 3 maroon bands on the tops whilst you could only buy ones with 2 maroon stripes for kids. At least I eventually got the maroon socks with all-white tops, Hearts usual design. Hearts also wore all maroon socks with one white band around the tops.

Nowadays, it’s so easy (and expensive !). I don’t know if old Brits will recall that in the 1960’s etc, these “imitation” strips could not be sold with team badges. As a result, I had a Scotland kit, of dark blue and white v-neck, white shorts and red/black socks. But no Scotland badge ! It was not allowed as it broke a copyright or such-like. So I had to buy a blazer badge that looked as much like a Scotland badge as I could get ! We were so imaginative in those days before spoon-fed commercialism.

BTW I did have a magic complete Wolves kit though – gold/black v-neck, black shorts, black socks with 2 gold bands, just like the real thing !
Lastly, I did have two real Scottish league shirts, which ex-footballer Jackie Neilson gave to my dad for me – East Fife (1950’s striped black/gold shirt with collar and big heavy badge) and Dundee United (his brother Tommy Neilson’s shirt “No 8” – white with black v and short sleeves, two black hoops, DUFC badge and red “8” high on back. I loved that shirt ! It’s still in my Dad’s house today.

Sorry to get nostalgic ! Please add your own memories . I’ll start a new thread !

[guitarmatt]

This is a question posed to those members that live in Scotland.

How are American tourists seen by the people of the land? If american tourists are kilted, how are they treated? Generalities will be fine. I have a friend planning a trip to Scotland and he wants to know how americans are received. Thanks

Here are a few thoughts of mine as an American who's lived in Edinburgh for 4 years now. Not all are specifically about kilt wearing, many are just about being an American here in Scotland.

1. People tend to speak more quietly over here than in the States. Pay attention to this and follow the volume of the conversation. It's no point trying not to be a tourist, but it's nice to not be an obnoxious tourist. By the way, this isn't just for Americans, I went up the Wallace monument right in the midst of a group of French high school students, and they were probably the loudest group of people I've ever encountered.

2. Don't worry about being an American, and don't try to hide it. No fake accents. Certainly don't pretend to be Canadian if you're not, as I've heard some people advise. Interestingly, you'll probably find that people ask you if you are Canadian, especially if you followed my first bit of advice. Most Scots seem to know it's better to assume an American's a Canadian than the other way around.

3. Don't be turned off if people seem reserved to the point of being rude, especially in Edinburgh. They're not being rude, they just operate in a different social context than you're used to from the states.

4. Following number 3, don't expect to get any extra attention for wearing your kilt. First off, folk here are less likely to make comments to strangers than in the states. Secondly, Glasgow and Edinburgh, where you'll likely spend a bit of time, are very cosmopolitan cities and you really see all manner of dress. Outfits that seem outlandish in the states often won't stand out at all here.

5. Following from that, people are generally better dressed here than in the states, even young people. Bring along nicer clothes than you'd normally wear for on vacation in America, it'll make your trip a bit classier as well. Don't go all out, but loose jeans+baggy sweater almost always equals American tourist. Don't fall into that trap, unless you really don't mind slumming it.

6. Finally, particularly for kilt wearing, the wind has a mind of its own, especially around corners and intersections. It's not unusual to walk down the street in totally calm air, fight your way through gale force winds at the corner then step back in to perfect calm.

7. Ah, one last one. When you're in Edinburgh take the time to peek into every close and wynd off the Royal Mile. You won't offend anyone and will find some truly remarkable little gems that don't show up in any of the guide books.

8. Or maybe one more. Stop in St Giles Cafe across the street from St Giles for a good lunch in a classy environment. Get your whisky at Royal Mile Whiskies, also across from St Giles. The best coffee is at Artisan Roast on Broughton Street, about a 5 minute walk from Waverly station. And Starbucks is better here than in the states, in my opinion, with a good light menu and free wifi if you get a Starbucks card, and some of the best views of the castle on Princess Street.

[TheSp8]

I showed up in Scotland in my OD Utilikilt on our second trip. We stopped in a little tea shop and the two ladies that ran it commented favorably on it and wished that more men would wear a kilt regularly. When out and about in a tartan kilt it was either a none issue or I received good comments. One inebriated gentleman did mention that he was a McDonald while I was wearing Campbell kilt. He followed up with the fact that the troubles between the clans was ancient history and didn't apply to us. I usually wore my hiking boots with the socks scrunched down. I think it'll be fine for your friend to wear a kilt. Generally people got more friendly when they heard my accent. Once they found out I was from Tennessee they got all excited because they all know about Jack Daniels. Surprisingly, many I talked to had visited TN on holiday and enjoyed their time there.

YMOS,
Tony

[BBoykin]

I'll chime in since I was just in Scotland in June. I bought my 3 year-old son a Black Watch Sport Kilt and one for myself in MacDonald. My first kilt experience. We opted for SK's after learning just how much a traditional costs.

It didn't take me long to notice that nobody seemed to be wearing them on the streets of Edinburgh or anywhere else that we visited aside from buskers and one sword-swallowing fellow on High Street (who happened to be shirtless in a Utilikilt, and I thought he looked pretty cool).

Nonetheless, we went kilted in Edinburgh, Gairloch, Skye, and Oban. We dressed our SK's up as smartly as we knew how (though still not traditional - photo in the gallery) and had a great time. I got a few nice comments, a lot of looks, and not a single insult. I'm sure somebody somewhere must have thought me the idiot but they never said so.

Go kilted and be proud.