Food For Thought Two(F4T2)

[seanachie]

This way of thinking is nothing new, the kilt has always been regarded as "ours" by many Scots. I think I may have mentioned this point from time to time! What is a surprise to me is the strength of feeling, possessiveness if you like, from the younger generation. I actually thought that they would be rather more laid back about this than the survey indicates.

So after quite a bit of thinking over this point, I wonder , if it is to do with the possibility of Scots independence in the near(?) future and the Scots Parliament that most of those questioned have grown up with for much of their lives. I really don't know, but I suspect it may be the case.

Jock:
I watch PMQs each week they occur and I watch First Ministers Questions as often as time allows. In the recent past I have seen a lot of discussion on jobs, job creation and economic development particularly as Scotland competes against other parts of the UK. I would wonder this sense of "ours" would forego any economic benefit to Scottish business to be able to stake the claim that is exclusively Scottish and the kilt is the exclusive province of Scots. I can complete understand the sense of affront if it was worn in such a way to denigrate Scottish culture. I think it is worth noting that many district tartans and fashion tartans etc are products of Scots themselves. Just as an intellectual exercise from a legal perspective it would be interesting to see if the "copyright" (for lack of a better term) would hold water.

[auld argonian]

I would wonder this sense of "ours" would forego any economic benefit to Scottish business to be able to stake the claim that is exclusively Scottish and the kilt is the exclusive province of Scots. I can complete understand the sense of affront if it was worn in such a way to denigrate Scottish culture. I think it is worth noting that many district tartans and fashion tartans etc are products of Scots themselves. Just as an intellectual exercise from a legal perspective it would be interesting to see if the "copyright" (for lack of a better term) would hold water.

I suppose it might be a case of "you outsiders can wear all the kilts you want, just don't wear them here."

Coincidentally, I just checked my email and see another message from "Heather" at Scottish tourism (Heather....what are the odds?). I just emailed back that we're probably going to be over in the spring and I'll be in my native ethnic garb: jeans and a White Sox t-shirt.

Best

AA

[CMcG]

A hearty thanks to Jock Scot and all his volunteers for providing such wonderful insights into their views on the kilt. I think it would also be fascinating if another Scot were to undertake such an endeavour with a different social group, in some other part of Scotland... can anyone guess how the results might vary in Glasgow or Edinburgh?

[madmacs]

I suppose it might be a case of "you outsiders can wear all the kilts you want, just don't wear them here."

I'd be surprised if any Scot voiced that sentiment without a) alcohol or b) being asked their opinion.

[creagdhubh]

A very interesting survey thanks Jock

In a future survey I would be most interested in finding out what the same people think defines a Scot or a Highlander. These days with so much freedom of movement it becomes difficult to define in a meaningful way

For example, if someone born in Scotland of a Scottish family moves to England at a young age do they remain a Scot? If so, how does that apply should they move to the States instead? And how is that affected down the generations. In reverse, how is the person regarded who was born in England of an English family but moves to Scotland at an early age?

I know what I believe but what do others think?

I think their are definitive surnames that are indeed Highland in origin.

Very interesting thread, Jock, thank you for sharing the information.

Kind regards,

[AKScott]

Neat stuff Jock. Thanks for caring enough and taking the time to have undertaken it.

[BCAC]

Neat survey, but I think that you are all reading too much into it. As Jock said this is not to be taken for the views of Scotland as a whole.

Talking of nationalities with respect to place of birth, all of you consider "our" Jock Scot (even if you only know him 'virtually' through this web site) as a true Highland Scotsman despite the fact that he was born elsewhere.

I was born in Scotland but, thanks to a long military service and the lack of jobs since returning to civvy street, I've lived outwith Scotland for longer than I'd ever lived there. As the saying goes "you can take the man out of Scotland, but you can't take Scotland out of the man".

What was that other saying that someone famous said in the US? Something about if a cat had kittens in the oven, you wouldn't call them biscuits.

Home is where your heart is.

Thanks again for this Jock, it is indeed FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

[Ayrshire]

Jock,

Thank you for the great survey and your gift to the kilt wearing community.

I found several items curious; especially, when compared to the previous survey.

24. What kind of head wear would you consider appropriate, to be worn with the civilian kilt?(tick many)
Balmoral: 110
Glengarry: 110

I have always viewed the Glengarry as a military bonnet (for right or wrong) and have chosen not to wear one. Compared to the previous survey it seems that the younger generations are more open to wearing the glengarry. Speaking as a member of the younger generation perhaps I should lighten up a bit.

On questions 9, 10 and 15; it would appear the younger generation considers the kilt “theirs”. I have seen this issue being a matter of some lengthy (and polite!*) debates and discussions on this board.

My take away from all this is that I will continue to wear my kilt with pride. I am proud of my Scottish and American heritage and will embrace both. However if I travel to Scotland the kilt will stay off. When in Rome. I would not discourage any other fellow members of the diaspora to do the same. My opinion is mine alone.

Thanks again for this contribution. The survey was very enlightening.

Tom

*I was always told polite conversations on the internet were a myth.

[Jock Scot]

Jock,

Thank you for the great survey and your gift to the kilt wearing community.

I found several items curious; especially, when compared to the previous survey.



I have always viewed the Glengarry as a military bonnet (for right or wrong) and have chosen not to wear one. Compared to the previous survey it seems that the younger generations are more open to wearing the glengarry. Speaking as a member of the younger generation perhaps I should lighten up a bit.

On questions 9, 10 and 15; it would appear the younger generation considers the kilt “theirs”. I have seen this issue being a matter of some lengthy (and polite!*) debates and discussions on this board.

My take away from all this is that I will continue to wear my kilt with pride. I am proud of my Scottish and American heritage and will embrace both. However if I travel to Scotland the kilt will stay off. When in Rome. I would not discourage any other fellow members of the diaspora to do the same. My opinion is mine alone.

Thanks again for this contribution. The survey was very enlightening.

Tom

*I was always told polite conversations on the internet were a myth.

Actually the "Head wear" question posed was about "appropriate head wear". Had they been asked what they actually wear on their head, the answer would probably have been: "nothing"!

[Ayrshire]

Actually the "Head wear" question posed was about "appropriate head wear". Had they been asked what they actually wear on their head, the answer would probably have been: "nothing"!

Ah yes I should have paid closer attention and noticed the distinction. I, like them, also wear "nothing". Neither bonnet does much to shield eyes and bare skin from the sun and I don't usually wear a cover at all.

Perhaps it's time for Scottish ingenuity to be put to the test (yet again) to design a bonnet that is both kilt appropriate and practical. It should be made from light canvas. This will help reflect light. It should cover somewhat fore and aft. This will provide shade. It should be lightweight. So perhaps made of cloth covered wood material. Perhaps someone should give a "pithy" ;) critique of my design elements. ith: