Scottish Tartans Authority publicly condemns kilt traditions

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I haven't discussed the specifics of this newspaper story with Brian Wilton, so I'm not sure how it came about, but I do know how these things typically start. The STA's office phone will ring; Brian will answer, and there will be a newspaper reporter on the other end asking for an opinion on some question or issue regarding the kilt. Brian will give an opinion, and the next thing you know the "Scottish Tartans Authority has made an official pronouncement" on something.

Remember recently Brian spoke with a reporter and gave an estimate (which was given to him by a kilt maker) that perhaps only 10 kilt makers who had undergone a rigorous training via a traditional apprenticeship were still operating in Scotland. When it hit the press, however, it was "The STA" claiming there were only "10 authentic kilt makers" left in Scotland.

The press has a real knack for making a news story out of nothing.

I imagine what Brian Wilton was trying to do was simply to dispel the myth that one is not a "true Scot" unless he is going commando under his kilt, or that one is somehow less "authentic" if one chooses to wear underwear.

I always tell people it's really none of anyone's business what you are and are not wearing under your kilt, any more than it is what you choose to wear under your trousers. Just don't go about exposing yourself.

[macwilkin]

I haven't discussed the specifics of this newspaper story with Brian Wilton, so I'm not sure how it came about, but I do know how these things typically start. The STA's office phone will ring; Brian will answer, and there will be a newspaper reporter on the other end asking for an opinion on some question or issue regarding the kilt. Brian will give an opinion, and the next thing you know the "Scottish Tartans Authority has made an official pronouncement" on something.

Remember recently Brian spoke with a reporter and gave an estimate (which was given to him by a kilt maker) that perhaps only 10 kilt makers who had undergone a rigorous training via a traditional apprenticeship were still operating in Scotland. When it hit the press, however, it was "The STA" claiming there were only "10 authentic kilt makers" left in Scotland.

The press has a real knack for making a news story out of nothing.

I imagine what Brian Wilton was trying to do was simply to dispel the myth that one is not a "true Scot" unless he is going commando under his kilt, or that one is somehow less "authentic" if one chooses to wear underwear.

I always tell people it's really none of anyone's business what you are and are not wearing under your kilt, any more than it is what you choose to wear under your trousers. Just don't go about exposing yourself.

Well said! Let's not convene the Kangaroo Court just yet...

T.

[ThistleDown]

I haven't discussed the specifics of this newspaper story with Brian Wilton, so I'm not sure how it came about, but I do know how these things typically start. The STA's office phone will ring; Brian will answer, and there will be a newspaper reporter on the other end asking for an opinion on some question or issue regarding the kilt. Brian will give an opinion, and the next thing you know the "Scottish Tartans Authority has made an official pronouncement" on something.

Remember recently Brian spoke with a reporter and gave an estimate (which was given to him by a kilt maker) that perhaps only 10 kilt makers who had undergone a rigorous training via a traditional apprenticeship were still operating in Scotland. When it hit the press, however, it was "The STA" claiming there were only "10 authentic kilt makers" left in Scotland.

The press has a real knack for making a news story out of nothing.

I imagine what Brian Wilton was trying to do was simply to dispel the myth that one is not a "true Scot" unless he is going commando under his kilt, or that one is somehow less "authentic" if one chooses to wear underwear.

I always tell people it's really none of anyone's business what you are and are not wearing under your kilt, any more than it is what you choose to wear under your trousers. Just don't go about exposing yourself.

[Chas]

There is such a thing as the 'under-kilt' - a couple of our more prominent members here wear them. Either they are like a slip with an elasticated waist (a separate garment) or are buttoned to the kilt, making them part of the same garment. Easily removed for cleaning.

I would have thought that the under-kilt would have been the ideal garment for the hire industry - if nothing else, they are softer than wool next to the skin. That is what the STA should be promoting - the compromise that is the best of both worlds.

Freedom, hygiene, ease of use and you don't alienate the reader.

Regards

Chas