Kilts at funerals/memorial services

[Andy Ternay]

I have worn a kilt to one memorial service, my friend Jim's. That was a circumstance where I knew his family and friends not only approved but encouraged.

Generally I don't think I would wear my tank to a funeral or memorial service because it is the National Milleneum tartan and the colors are very bright and cheery. It seems out of place for a funeral or memorial service, at least here in the United States.

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

[robbiethepiper]

Yes, definitely. Idea offer - I wear a pair of black flashes which is an inexpensive and respectful little touch, and they go with any other colours I can think of.....

[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!

[skauwt]

deleted

[Andy Ternay]

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!

Thanks Jock. Loud MacLeod did not look out of place with even the pallbearers wearing it.

Even in the Highlands it is wise, very wise on occasion, to try and get it right.

Yes, I would think a funeral would be even more important than a wedding to get right!

[Chas]

I have said this before - you can't wear a kilt you haven't got. Surely the right attitude and frame of mind is more important than what is worn.

Regards

Chas

[Jock Scot]

Thanks Jock. Loud MacLeod did not look out of place with even the pallbearers wearing it.



Yes, I would think a funeral would be even more important than a wedding to get right!

Quite often up here as the graveyard or even the Kirk is quite a way from the road the mourners take it in turn to carry the coffin, it is regarded as the thing to do to lend a hand and when one gets tired, or you know that there are others wanting to have a go, so one sort of steps aside as someone takes over.

Whilst I am not wanting to cause an international upset here, it was noted that the American mourners at Chief John's funeral wore black silver buttoned argylls, while most of the locals wore tweed. Did it matter? Not one jot!

In passing, it is wise, even these days, to be aware that some tartans at some funerals -----depending on the various Clan feuds of the past ----can STILL cause an upset in these trying times for the bereaved. So, "Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted" at a Highland funeral!

[Danaidh]

Jack Scot, your insight and willingness to share are invaluable. Thank you.

[Jan Otto B]

I had to attend several cremations last year, and because the deceased knew me wearing a kilt, I went in a kilt. I am always the only one being kilted, but nobody bothers.

[morrison]

woof
I buried my mom as I wore my Black Watch.
Wearing ones kilt or whatever clothing one owns and wears for his/her personal use is perfectly correct.

It isn't the clothing. It's the person. It's the one being oneself in the occasion or event at hand.
Others are not to be regarded as anything more than opinions and attempts to influence.
Think for yourself.

Ahhh . . tennnnn . . hut
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KILT
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ON
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