Should I bring my kilt?

[ThistleDown]

If you wear it at home, wear it here. As was said, don't wear all the bits and pieces, just be comfortable.

[Blackrose87]

In all honesty you may get a bit of eye-rolling from the locals, but you definitely won't have any discourtesy towards you. I'm sure you'll be made to feel more than welcome.
Hope you enjoy your stay here!


Btw I'd try to avoid wearing any non-tartan 'kilt' here though

[ForresterModern]

By all means wear your kilt in Scotland while you are there, if that is your choice. 19 days in Scotland on two trips, wore trousers one full day and another 5 hours when I was not allowed to wear a kilt on a major golf course (don't ask). Yes, native scots will tag you as a tourist pretty quick, but then they would have anyway from whatever you wore once they heard you speak. But the natives, at least to me, were complimentary to no limits, and interested and inquisitive as to why a 'yank would wear the kilt, but in a good way. As long as you wear it with the respect it is due, and a proper tartan kilt, no one will give you a second look or thought. Yes you will get stopped by all manner of tourists, American and others, with the others often wanting to have their picture taken with you in the major tourist areas---elsewhere less likely as less tourists. Even been stopped and asked for directions a few times. Shop owners typically love it, but then they have a reason for buttering you up, as do bar men and bar maids, etc... And depending on what type of tourists you run into you may be asked the "question". Deal with it as you will.

One suggestion---don't wear any flatcaps with your kilt up in Invernessshire, as I hear there is a madman up there who really goes off on flatlanders wearing the kilt with a flatcap.

Enjoy the trip.

[Sir William]

My experience on two trips has been similar to ForresterModern. Tourists take you for a native Scot and ask for a picture or two, while the real Scots usually accept you as benign, if you wear it within their expectations, and you'll may even receive a compliment or two. Unlike here in the States, I've never received an ill look or comment in Scotland.

I'm going over next week and plan to wear a kilt as the mood and occasion strikes me, though not all the time.

[Really a McQueen]

Yes you probably will be considered to be a crazy American. Bring your kilt by all means, we are a free country after all.

Of course, the locals might consider you a crazy American, even if you were wearing a wool sweater and slacks.

[CMcG]

My wife and I will be in the Edinburgh area for about 8 days in August. We like to travel with only carry-on luggage, so I have to pack conservatively. I would like to bring my kilt, but don't want to be considered as a crazy American and be dressed inappropriately. I am looking for advice.

If you don't want to be considered a crazy American, then wear your kilt only to occasions where the average Scot (read: non-Xmarker ) might wear theirs: weddings, Highland Games, some football matches, etc. As for dressing appropriately, I'd say aim for traditional unless it is a Tartan Army event, where apparently the crazier, the better

[Jock Scot]

Of course, the locals might consider you a crazy American, even if you were wearing a wool sweater and slacks.

America does not have the monopoly on crazy people you know! Even Inverness-shire has an example or two, Jeff

[Arnot]

It could just be me, but it seems that the “crazy American” part comes in as a result of one’s conduct. I have worn my kilts all over Scotland without a problem. I have also observed locals looking at other Americans, who were acting stupid, as if they were out of their minds.

[Father Bill]

It could just be me, but it seems that the “crazy American” part comes in as a result of one’s conduct. I have worn my kilts all over Scotland without a problem. I have also observed locals looking at other Americans, who were acting stupid, as if they were out of their minds.

I would expect that this might be the norm almost anywhere on the planet where intelligent people dwell, i.e. everywhere.

[creagdhubh]

One suggestion---don't wear any flatcaps with your kilt up in Invernessshire, as I hear there is a madman up there who really goes off on flatlanders wearing the kilt with a flatcap.

Enjoy the trip.

Hahahaha! Quite right, Jeff and well said old boy!

Cheers,