Kilts at funerals/memorial services

[Jock Scot]

FUNERLS


Andy Ternay asked:-

"My question is, are kilts appropriate attire for funerals and memorials in the Highlands and Scotland in general?"

No the kilt is not generally worn for funerals in Scotland (memorials are not common in the Highlands), in my experience, but the kilt is a bit more common at funerals in the Highlands. It does depend a bit on whose funeral it is. If the deceased was a piper, band member something like that, then the kilt could well be worn, a Highland Clan Chief will have many kilts at his/her funeral. However like all these things knowledge of the deceased and his family and if necessary, some discreet questions, should guide you if the kilt would be appropriate, it is not always. Even in the Highlands it is wise, very wise on occasion, to try and get it right. IF IN DOUBT, DON'T WEAR THE KILT.

In passing we do not wear anything out of the ordinary, kilt wise, at a funeral. Polished black(usually) shoes, hose of any solid hue, flashes of any hue, Clan tartan kilt, day sporran, day kilt belt perhaps, white shirt, black tie(not bow), TWEED of any hue day jacket(although you do see the black silver buttoned argyll these days) and depending on the climate at the time, a waistcoat, bonnet and Inverness might be worn. An umbrella is a wise accessory too, if a gale is not blowing.

There were some interesting pictures of Chief John MacLeod of MacLeod's funeral on the MacLeod website(google it) and you will see the MacLeod of Lewis(loud MacLeod)being worn, so we do not bother about dull funeral type tartans!