Thanks for sharing your story. Sounds like you have it figured out and the people of Kentucky are pleasant enough.

As to the transatlantic issue, no ideas. Perhaps the people from Kentucky are still learning polite manners for which our southern states are known? Or, you might be onto something with your own appearance--i don't know what you look like so I can't say "you're scary looking", but if that's the case maybe no one wants to get hurt But you might be spot on if the culture over there is not to comment. That being the case, I wouldn't expect many comments or noticeable reactions to a kilt or anything else for that matter.

Just a couple thoughts ... oh and AIRBORNE! Do you still remember your points of contact when performing a PLF?