wearing kilts in Scotland

[Geoduck]

When we were in Edinburgh, they were in the process of opening the new parliment building, so there were quite a few folks in kilts. I had my UK with me, but I didn't wear it while in Scotland, for fear that they might think I would be mocking them. When I spoke with most folks, they said that they liked the UK! In fact one sales woman at Hector Russell really wanted one. Anyhow, I did notice older men wearing the kilt on a more everyday basis. This was in Aberfeldy and Weem just off the River Tay, so definately off the beaten path.

The next time we visit Scotland, I will definately be bringing my kilts. I figure that I can't take any more grief than I do here, and probably more praise.

[Kiltedmusiclover]

I was kilted while I was in Scotland last September.
I received nothing but good comments.
It even got me a couple of rounds of free whisky at
the pub.
I do feel most of locals see you as a tourist.
Which really did not bother me since I was
a tourist.
Shoot, one word out of this southern
mouth and they knew my accent was not
Scottish. HA!
While I agree you really do not see too many kilts,
I did see a few.
Mostly in Edinburgh.

[Hamish]

I visit Scotland (well, Edinburgh) several times most years and am always kilted - I've nothing else to wear!

These days up there, I wear my tartans and contemporary kilts fairly casually but always take a full day-wear outfit, just in case it's needed, and for attending the theatre and half decent restaurants. I also wear my Utilikilts north of the border and have experienced no negative reactions at all, in fact I've been told what a good idea it is to have such useful pockets in kilts!

Yes, inevitably, a chap in a kilt is going to be asked to pose for photos in Edinburgh, and it happens to me every time I visit there. Also one is aware that videos and photos from mobile 'phones are often being taken surreptitiously, but it does not worry me. If I have the time I am happy to pose for the tourists.

Go kilted in Scotland with confidence (as anywhere) and you'll be fine.

[Nick]

From the Demon's Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)

"Kilt-- A costume sometimes worn by Scotchmen [sic] in America and Americans in Scotland."

I've not yet been to Scotland, but when I do go I won't be spending the whole time in trousers, same as here.

[Scotus]

As a frequent visitor to Scotland, I can only go by what I see every year. I always go in March, so it isn't a "tourist" season. Last year I saw a few kilts, but they are worn casually mostly by younger men (20 somethings). What another member said about Rugby days is very true. I was in Edinburgh about three or four weeks ago for the Scotland/Wales rugby game and saw LOTS of guys in kilts (Scotland lost ).

Having said that, I noticed only one or two older men wearing kilts on the street.

I have spent some time on my own in the Highlands; however, I have not noticed any kilts. Ironic, isn't it? Kilts in the Lowlands... not in the Highlands. Go figure.

Another thing that I noticed for the first time this year is that the younger tour guides at the castles are wearing kilts; the older men wear the trews. It has only been recently that guides have been allowed to wear the kilt, or so I understand.

So, these are just the observations of a frequent visitor to the "Mother Country." I am certain that someone who lives there might have a different view.

[James]

A problem here is that too many people have the 'Brigadoon Complex' about Scotland, and are amazed not to see everyone - well the men, wearing the kilt.

It might be better to see it as akin to the lounge suit, which most men own, but do not of necessity wear everyday: unless in a job which requires such a standard of dress. Rather it being kept for special occasions, if only because one does not want to mess up an expensive item through day to day living.

There is also the fact that for a long time the kilt was seen as the attire of the upper classes, and the ordinary man would not of necessity be able to either afford or have the desire to wear one.

James

[Mike1]

Another time you will see Scots in kilts is at various historical commemorations. Such as the one taking place at Arbroath, tomorrow. Wednesday will mark the 685th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath.

[Rigged]

It seems to me that we are reinventing kilt-wearing and the result will be what we make it. What the Scots did in the past and what they do now can be instructive, but we're the ones taking the kilt out of the past (and out of the mothballs) and giving it new life.

[highlander_Daz]

its suprising how many tourists watch "braveheart" or "rob roy" and think that 21st century Scotland is still like that, the kilt is still worn but not exclusively !

[James]

There is some dangerous ground opening up, and here I must be brutal and some might think offensive: and the subject is just what is meant by a kilt?

On the one hand it has the obvious link with Scotland-with all the consequent flummery regarding the right to a tartan etc etc.

On the other hand it also appears to be being accepted as the blanket noun for a 'male skirt': an obvious example here would be the Utilikilt. The only time I saw one being worn, my mind did not register kilt-rather 'nice skirt-sensible chap'.

I later mentioned this to a piper chum [both of us are over retirement age and have worn the kilt since childhood] and he said that his reaction is exactly the same as mine.

In both cases being aware of the benefits of wearing a kilt, we can see every good reason for men adopting all sorts of new variants: and entirely support such adoption. However in our minds we do not associate such variants with the kilt as we know it.

This is not to suggest a closed mind as to the development of the Scottish kilt, for such developments as the Hillwalker and the ultra-light 'Gentlemen's' kilt both feature in my wardrobe and do get worn. However they are logical devlopments of the traditional kilt.

So what is happening is that there are two thrusts: one is the growing interest and increased wear of the 'traditional' kilt, and the other is the development of male skirts albeit under the kilt banner. Both entirely laudable endeavours, so do not think I'm being critical in any way of modern developments: in fact I support the ideal.

However it is necessary to be aware of the above, if a rift is not to develop between those who do take the the traditional kilt and it's links with their heritage seriously: and the pasture new innovaters. For on occasion good manners can be confused with acceptance, welcome even.

I regret if the above appears offensive, but it is something that had to be brought out into the open.


James