Another protectionist kilt article from "The Scotsman"

[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.

[kiltedwolfman]

I think the onus is on the consumer for the most part when it comes to buying any kind of goods to know, or at the very least to do a little research on the products they are intending to buy. If we are willing to allow the seller to pass on wares that are of questional pedigree or quality without being willing to learn a little as the buyer then it really comes down to caveat emptor.

[Nighthawk]

I think the onus is on the consumer for the most part when it comes to buying any kind of goods to know, or at the very least to do a little research on the products they are intending to buy. If we are willing to allow the seller to pass on wares that are of questional pedigree or quality without being willing to learn a little as the buyer then it really comes down to caveat emptor.

In principle, I agree. But the way I see it, the average tourist just doesn't have the same opportunities as we on this board, so it's really sellers taking advantage of a buyers ignorance, which while being a capitalist, I can understand, I can also see the point of view of the people wanting a little more integrity in the labeling.

[PEEDYC]

Having worn the kilt for most of my youth I stopped because of cost. I was about 12 or 13 when I first wore long trousers. The only reason I go kilted nowadays is due to the so called "tat" market. I cannot afford a hand made kilt so an off the peg one with a 24" drop suits me fine. I would rather wear a cheaper version than not wear one at all.

I am in two minds as to whether I go kilted in Gambia when I visit shortly and out there one does not want to wear an expensive item due ot the dust and sand. It is getting through security that causes me problems. One cannot wear a "pointed" kilt pin or carry a sgian dubh. The buckles on the kilt can cause the metal dectector to go off and as a true Scot a body search can be quite interesting too. I haven't got room in my case for the kilt and accessories so St Andrew's day out there may have to be a T Shirt with the Saltire on it. Cheap T Shirt (Tat) with a home made iron on transfer.

[Nighthawk]

Having worn the kilt for most of my youth I stopped because of cost. I was about 12 or 13 when I first wore long trousers. The only reason I go kilted nowadays is due to the so called "tat" market. I cannot afford a hand made kilt so an off the peg one with a 24" drop suits me fine. I would rather wear a cheaper version than not wear one at all.

I am in two minds as to whether I go kilted in Gambia when I visit shortly and out there one does not want to wear an expensive item due ot the dust and sand. It is getting through security that causes me problems. One cannot wear a "pointed" kilt pin or carry a sgian dubh. The buckles on the kilt can cause the metal dectector to go off and as a true Scot a body search can be quite interesting too. I haven't got room in my case for the kilt and accessories so St Andrew's day out there may have to be a T Shirt with the Saltire on it. Cheap T Shirt (Tat) with a home made iron on transfer.

I wore my Colorado state tartan kilt when I saw Iron Maiden early in the summer. The poor security guard at my gate looked and me and said "You've gotta be kidding me..." I did my best Super Man pose and said "Frisk away!" She just told me to go in. Bummer...

[Dale Seago]

By Jove! That is good. I do think that room should be made for nickle-plated steel buckles. Do they grow nickle in Scotland?

Well, they at least USED it back in the day. Alloyed with copper. We refer to that alloy as nickel silver; back then they referred to it as "German silver".

[freddie]

So let me get this right. Canadian chedder isn't really chedder cheese because it's not made in Chedder?

[BoldHighlander]

So let me get this right. Canadian chedder isn't really chedder cheese because it's not made in Chedder?

I guess the same would apply to "Swiss" cheese

[The Thing]

As I have said before there is room for tat and for quality in the kilt market. Indeed cheap imported kilts have introduced lots more guys to kilt wearing, many of whom will no doubt go on to buy a better quality kilt later.

Fully agree with you. Not everyone has the budget to buy a genuine hand made bespoke kilt. Not every kilt is Scottish (made I mean), but none the less still a kilt. It's like saying that Whiskey/Whisky isnt the water of life just because its made outside of Scotland or Ireland. Are there cheap Whiskies/Whisky's sure there are..! However they are still none the less Whisky. Thats why we have product distinction and labelling.