Is visiting Scotland a "special" occasion?

**Redshank** · 29th August 11, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by chrisupyonder

My wife and I have just returned from 6 weeks touring the highlands full time kilted.

I received the following comments.

Twice in tourist information centres... Several people thought I was staff.

Chris.

As far as I am aware I am the ONLY one who works for VisitScotland tourist info that wears the kilt, and believe it or not, I had to fight for my right to wear it instead of the corporate uniform.

So if on your tour you pass through Inveraray, be sure to say hi

**John_Carrick** · 29th August 11, 01:12 AM

I am now confident and not self conscious in my kilt in Scotland and people are very friendly and pleased to see the kilt, even when they hear my English accent. It is more common to see them in Edinburgh (and quite rare in other areas), where it seems quite common to wear a kilt on a night out that is not a special occasion. Old ladies are particularly encouraging - one nice lady told me that you can wear it "absolutely anywhere". However climbing a Munro kilted in the winter months is not a great idea. Something suitably long and waterproof is a good idea.
John
PS I believe I have seen the gentleman in Inveraray on a very wet Sunday in June when I was buying maps. You are an asset to Visit Scotland!

**Phil** · 29th August 11, 01:14 AM

Originally Posted by Redshank

As far as I am aware I am the ONLY one who works for VisitScotland tourist info that wears the kilt, and believe it or not, I had to fight for my right to wear it instead of the corporate uniform.

I seem to remember a thread way back about one of your colleagues in Dumfries being a bit disparaging about kilts. A sad indictment on those supposed to foster tourism in Scotland when they actively try to prohibit kilt-wearing as you say. Fair enough in mainstream business wanting to show a modern business-like image but in tourism? Definitely not.

**Jimmy** · 29th August 11, 01:32 AM

Of course it is going to be a special occassion visiting the land of your forebearers, most people in Scotland ask if you are at a wedding or attending some event, wearing the kilt makes people interested in you.
Yesterday at a petrol station in Inverary, the cashier asked me if I was at a wedding, I told her that we had been attending the Cowal Games on Saturday and had stayed overnight.

Wear you kilt often in Scotland, you will find that Scots love to see people wearing their kilts and you will receive many compliments, have a great time

**Chas** · 29th August 11, 11:39 AM

Is visiting Scotland a "special" occasion?

For me, Scotland is a five hour non-stop drive. So, yes. Visiting to Scotland is for me a special occasion.

Regards

Chas

**castledangerous** · 29th August 11, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Neil Clark

Will you guys be going to Braemar Games while you are here? Be good to see you if you are. I'll be about, in the kilt. Competing in the Piping Light Music only, 2nd on, so should be on about 10.05.

Note that the trip is next year, not 2011. Don't suppose you would know your start time for 2012...

**OC Richard** · 30th August 11, 03:42 AM

On my holiday trips to Scotland I did not bring a kilt, never considered doing so for a moment. All that stuff takes up a load of invaluable luggage space!

The only time I brought the kilt was when I went over with the pipe band to compete. On that trip we only wore our kilts when at Games competing.

**Mark Stephenson** · 30th August 11, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by castledangerous

Note that the trip is next year, not 2011. Don't suppose you would know your start time for 2012...

Thanks to all who have expressed an interest in getting together while we are visiting Scotland in September of 1012. We will arrive in Glasgow probably on September 3rd. We will likely take a personal trip to Dunardry on the 4th. The tour starts on the 5th. As the name of the tour implies, we will spend nearly all of our time in the "Highlands and Islands" We will return to Glasgow on the 18th and fly out on the 19th. I will post our itinerary as we get closer to the trip. It would be great to meet some X-markers while there!

**McClef** · 30th August 11, 04:30 PM

I was under the impression that Visit Scotland issued kilts to all its staff but did not force them to wear them.

**creagdhubh** · 30th August 11, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I am sure---no wrong word! I know that you will be made very welcome and I am absolutely confident that you will have a great time-----in spite of the midgies and the rain!

If you venture up to the Great Glen and should you wish to, I would be delighted to meet you all.

Quite right! You'll have a blast, Mark!