Run in with "Kilt Police"

[McFarkus]

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. You seem to have run into someone with a VERY little knowledge.

[CamelCody]

It's such a shame that someone would try and ruin someone else's night with
petty things like that. Especially at a formal event where everyone is generally expected to act like a gentleman (even in spite of the single malt per table). It's even sadder that someone who had such little knowledge of what was 'appropriate' or not would try and correct someone else. I am by no means an expert on what is accepted by the standards of highland dress, especially when it comes to formal or evening wear. It's exactly for this reason that I wouldn't walk up to anyone in a huff and try and critique their outfit.
I was glad to hear there was a wounded warrior's table. Some of my brothers from my unit were recently wounded in action and it's good to know that America still respects and appreciates their service. All in all, well done

[MacHiram]

I'm sorry that you had a couple of people attempt to ruin your evening but it sounds as though you handled them both very well (better than I would have) and had a great night. I made a full badger sporran about 13 years ago and wear it frequently now that I have my weathered Gordon kilt and I must say...it looks smashing!

[Father Bill]

So sorry to hear of your encounters with the unpolished bumpkins, and so grateful to the expertise so willingly shared here. I think I might have been tempted to share the evening with them and let them be the uncomfortable ones.

[xman]

In similar circumstances I like to try to remember to ask them where they came upon their information and if they could please provide me with the source. I find that this approach has two benefits. First, it does not force an antagonistic stance from someone who is already taking an antagonistic approach since there's no "oh yes it is", "oh no it's not" kind of exchange. Secondly, it forces them to think and hopefully even act to support their line of thinking. If they can do so then I am enlightened. If not then there is a chance we may both be.

[Riverkilt]

I hate that! Best response is an equally impolite two word suggestion. But - learning on the board gives us the confidence that we're okay and the idiot is an idiot.

Before I knew much I was told that I wasn't allowed to wear a kilt in a tartan I'd ordered through Lochcarron (you'd think they'd know eh?) I told the jerk off but I still felt the need to verify it was okay with my Clan association.

Next games I asked after the idiot and the folks at the tent said they asked him not to come around anymore since he was such a rude idiot and seemed to enjoy finding fault with well meaning clansmen.

Sadly, there's no cure for these fools.

Good self-control...you didn't garrot them with your sporran strap.

[Highlander31]

It's too bad you had to put up with a couple of jerks for a short time. Although, sounds like a great evening, otherwise.

I have always thought, that jerks perform a valuable service,...they help us to appreciate the good people we meet in life.

[Hutch863]

People like that are the very reason I do not attend formal gatherings while kilted. I have been told on numerous occassions, that I Don't Play Well With Others.

To avoid idiots, I stay away from them.

[Dale-of-Cedars]

...older gent ( who was a navigator in Lancasters during wwll) told me to forget that "he has always been a *** wan*er"

Minor thread-jack - my dad was also a Navigator in RCAF Lancs during the war.

Sorry you had to run afoul of a couple of... well the gent's description fits both well.

[SFCRick]

Minor thread-jack - my dad was also a Navigator in RCAF Lancs during the war.

This old RAF Navigator was a very intersting man and I very much enjoyed talking with him. He flew 37 bombing runs in Germany, 1 to Norway and 2 in Burma, when he was sent to the Pacific Theatre after Germany surrendered.
We shared a lot of drams and I thanked him for his service. I always treasure my talks with fine old Veterans like this one.