How Scottish people view tartan

**figheadair** · 4th November 22, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Hirsty

My Gaelic isn't very good but I thought "breac" meant trout or salmon (I can't quite remember).

Breac means 'speakled, parti-coloured' etc., it is also the word for a trout (a salmon is bradan) and for someone with a face marked by Smallpox.

**Noble1** · 5th November 22, 01:36 PM

Scottish guy here, born in Inverness raisef in the highlands moved off to The Western isles prior to coming to the states. For the most part in Scotland the only place you see tartan, will be in your grandparents house possibly or in tourist areas. It makes sense it would be on a plane because that's how tourists to come that's really a lot of her money from. The average Scottish person for my upbringing unless they're a historian, or into the tourist business don't have a clue about tartan, kilts, or anything else. The equivalent would be like people here figuring out their heritage and then using random things from the revolutionary war around their house or in their businesses.

**OC Richard** · 5th November 22, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Noble1

...people here (USA) figuring out their heritage and then using random things from the Revolutionary War around their house...

Interesting you should mention that! Visiting relatives in Appalachia, I've seen 18th century-style flintlocks hanging over the front door (on the inside of the house) or over the fireplace mantle.

Also not uncommon to see Betsy Ross flags...I took things like that for granted.

**OC Richard** · 5th November 22, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by figheadair

Breac means 'speckled, parti-coloured' etc., it is also the word for a trout (a salmon is bradan) and for someone with a face marked by Smallpox.

Interestingly, my Gaelic dictionary starts its definition of breac with the rather exotic "striped like a zebra..." then continues with more mundane patterned things.

**cessna152towser** · 7th November 22, 05:10 AM

I have a collection of kilts but not a garment which I wear every day.
Ideal wear for special occasions and events.
Also good to wear when travelling through airports outside of the British Isles as Scots and Scotland appear to present a more positive image, and to be an ambassador for my Nation. Downside is needing to remove sporran and belt to pass through airport security.