Another protectionist kilt article from "The Scotsman"

[kiltedwolfman]

I was thinking about the whiskey analogy and whenever I've gone to the liquor store and it might only be the ones here in BC, that every whiskey is located under one large sign that says "Scotch". There is no spererate area for whiskey from Scotland, and another for all the others. I think the implication is that a knowledgeable consumer can tell the difference, and make a choice based on their preference. I also think that when it comes to kilts, traditional or otherwise the same applies. I kilt is a kilt regardless of where it was made, or what it was made from just like trousers are trousers whether thay are are made in the USA, the UK, or some nasty little shop in Asia and I feel that the almighty dollar is of far greater concern to Mr. Hawthorne's argument then national pride.

Just to stir the pot a little more since I'm in the mood, tartan tat that sports a label that states "designed in Scotland" is not really trying to pass a false product. I think it might accurate to say that the designs were actually designed in Scotland. That label doesn't state "made in Scotland" but just that it was designed in Scotland. If I designed a tartan here in Canada ( which I have ) but had it woven and made into a kilt in Scotland would it be a less legitimate kilt? I could label it " A designed in Canada, woven in Scotland and made in Scotland kilt like garment".

[MacLowlife]

It being about whisky time here, I'd like to add a few points about the water of life, particularly as a surrogate for pleated menswear...As we all know, the stuff that comes out of the still is not Scotch whisky. It only becomes Scotch whisky after being stored for four years. Similarly, whiskey made in Japan or Canada or Kentucky is not Scotch, but the coarsest, cheapest Inver House blend is just as much Scotch as the 75 year old Reekie MacTurf in the original crock with the Harris Tweed sack and the authentic hand printed label made from the margins of MacLeay prints, tied on with authentic gut and ... well, you know- the stuff they put on the shelf you can't quite reach. And, as the true cognoscenti know, it is possible to get the same whisky bottled by more than one enterprise.

But here is where the analogy REALLY breaks down. Even the staunchest one tartan wearingest highlander will grant that more than a single glass is acceptable, maybe even from more than one bottle.

Two minds and a single malt? Och aye!

[McClef]

Just to stir the pot a little more since I'm in the mood, tartan tat that sports a label that states "designed in Scotland" is not really trying to pass a false product. I think it might accurate to say that the designs were actually designed in Scotland. That label doesn't state "made in Scotland" but just that it was designed in Scotland. If I designed a tartan here in Canada ( which I have ) but had it woven and made into a kilt in Scotland would it be a less legitimate kilt? I could label it " A designed in Canada, woven in Scotland and made in Scotland kilt like garment".

I think I need a Scotch after reading that!

Yes the label doesn't say "made in Scotland" but with the Saltire and the word "authentic" on the label, what is your average tourist going to read into it? I have no problem with your "Designed in Canada, woven and made in Scotland" label - that gives the full details which is somewhat more than the "tartan tat" label does!

[Nighthawk]

I think I need a Scotch after reading that!

Yes the label doesn't say "made in Scotland" but with the Saltire and the word "authentic" on the label, what is your average tourist going to read into it? I have no problem with your "Designed in Canada, woven and made in Scotland" label - that gives the full details which is somewhat more than the "tartan tat" label does!

That's exactly my problem, as well! It doesn't say "Made in Scotland." It implies it, which is misleading.