Is it OK for just anybody to kilt up?

[OC Richard]

The Gold Bros. are 100% born and raised in Edinburgh.

Their kilts, not so much.

[OC Richard]

I regret that you and no doubt others are made to feel uncomfortable when visiting here, particularly as tourism is a major part of Scotland’s economy.

I've had only one uncomfortable moment in my several Scotland trips. Given the circumstances it was understandable and my wife and I took it in stride.

We drove all around Scotland in early summer 1986. A few months before there had been major terrorist attacks at the Rome and Vienna airports and tourism took an enormous hit. At all the B&Bs we were the only visitors; everyone else had cancelled. The streets of Edinburgh and everywhere else had a scattering of locals, looking deserted compared to their normal appearance at that time of year.

We were staying one night at a house across the river from a small Scottish town. We didn't arrive until around 5pm and when we walked into the village everything was closed, including the only restaurant. Being hungry and thirsty we continued down the street and soon came upon the only open establishment- a pub! We could hear the sounds of lively conversation coming from the open door. But we only got halfway through the entrance! because at that moment all conversation in the crowded pub abruptly ceased and everyone turned our direction and gave us a hard cold silent stare.

And there we stood, for a very awkward moment. It was clear that we had interrupted and intruded upon a convivial afternoon for the locals. So we turned around and went back to the B&B and went to bed hungry.

Perhaps during an ordinary summer they would have had tourists around all the time, but on this particular summer the locals had had their village to themselves, which they must have enjoyed. My wife and I understood the context and thought nothing of it.

[OC Richard]

I have visited Scotland. I have packed only kilts when I did so...I have never felt as uncomfortable wearing a kilt than when in Scotland.

That's where we differ, I wouldn't dream of packing a kilt when travelling anywhere, Scotland included.

The main reason is that Highland Dress takes up too much room in the suitcase.

The exceptions have been, of course, when travelling to Scotland with a Pipe Band to compete and perform, or travelling within the USA expressly to attend a Highland Games.

On holiday there's no reason to pack Highland Dress and good reason not to.

To address the bulkiness of Highland Dress, I've considered wearing it on the plane, to leave room in my suitcase for other things. But I've not done it yet.

[Ivor]

As a tentavive potential kilt-wearer this thread seems to only add more confusion to my already doubts. On the one hand it appears that bona fide highlanders disapprove of non-Scots wearing a kilt although something called a “cargo kilt” might pass scrutiny. On the other hand I read tales of hostile reaction by Scottish locals towards tourists wearing kilts. I have to say that on forays north to rugby matches I have never experienced any adverse reaction to Welsh supporters wearing kilts so it may not be a general thing but upsetting if it is true nevertheless.

[OC Richard]

I always am kilted for Rugby matches, in that environment a kilt says I'm a Scotland supporter.

Will all the fancy dress a kilt hardly gets attention

[KnittedReenactor]

As a tentavive potential kilt-wearer this thread seems to only add more confusion to my already doubts. On the one hand it appears that bona fide highlanders disapprove of non-Scots wearing a kilt although something called a “cargo kilt” might pass scrutiny. On the other hand I read tales of hostile reaction by Scottish locals towards tourists wearing kilts. I have to say that on forays north to rugby matches I have never experienced any adverse reaction to Welsh supporters wearing kilts so it may not be a general thing but upsetting if it is true nevertheless.

There is a saying I've heard: Put two Scots in a locked room. When you come back an hour later there will be at least three opinions from them. Of course, the same could be said of pretty much everyone else on this big chunk of rock. The two most important rules are, be knowledgeable and don't be a horse's a***.

A Cargo or Utilty-type kilt is a mixture between a kilt and cargo pants. Large external pockets tacked onto a solid or patterned cotton box pleated 'kilt'. Some people accept them as a type of kilt, others as just a man skirt.

[KnittedReenactor]

Is it Cultural Appropriation for a Japanese man to wear a Seville Row suit? Or a Turk to sport blue jeans? Is it wrong for me as an American to consume German bratwurst and pilsner or Phat Thai? How about an African-Scot in the Royal Regiment of Scotland wearing a kilt? We as a species have continued to exist and grow, because we have been able to build on the work of others and come together. *I'm copying your idea because I think it is a darn good one!

I personally hate the whole concept of political correctness. It is either correct, or not. Tacking on a modifier such as political changes the entire meaning from Correct, Period, Full Stop to Correct, but only as we want it so it matches up with our ideology. In short, no longer *actually* correct. Cultural Appropriation aversion seems to be a US, Canadian, European phenomenon where certain groups seem to live in fear of offending 'minorities'. Not something I've heard of in East Asia or Africa.
I think, if you're not offending someone with whatever you're doing, you're not doing it right. Someone will ALWAYS take offence.

To bring my rant to a close: If you want to wear a kilt, tartan, utility or other, in the US- do so. You have every legal and moral right to do so here in the USA. Understand it, respect it, respect where it came from and the people it has special meaning to, and don't be an a***. That will get you so far with the people who really matter. For the rest, as my Marine friends would say, they can go pound sand (and are probably a***s themselves). I hope this hasn't stirred up people too badly, but it probably has, so the pieces fall where they will.

[Tomo]

As a tentavive potential kilt-wearer this thread seems to only add more confusion to my already doubts. On the one hand it appears that bona fide highlanders disapprove of non-Scots wearing a kilt although something called a “cargo kilt” might pass scrutiny. On the other hand I read tales of hostile reaction by Scottish locals towards tourists wearing kilts. I have to say that on forays north to rugby matches I have never experienced any adverse reaction to Welsh supporters wearing kilts so it may not be a general thing but upsetting if it is true nevertheless.

I was born and raised in Lancashire - I have a clear and obvious northern accent (although I have not lived in the North West for much of the last 20 years and my friends back home think I now talk posh).

I tend to wear my kilt for three types of occasion - 1. going to a do (black tie events, family weddings etc), 2. the rugby, and 3. when guiding tours in Scotland.

I have worn my kilt in Scotland many times (as well as in England, Italy, France, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, Estonia and some others I have prob. forgotten). I have never had any adverse comments or funny looks. If anything it acts as a an ice-breaker - even in Scotland.

[Jock Scot]

I think very generally there are two main types of Scot. The Lowlander, who generally speaking, says it how they see it and has a wicked, in your face, sense of humour. I call it, "The Glasgow School of Gunboat Diplomacy". Think, Billy Connolly. Also its more of a City rather than a Country thing too.

The Highlander is generally far more reticent, circumspect------dour, is often the common description----- with their opinions and their humour is often on the dry side of dry and is very funny if you understand it.

Either way, rest assured they as individuals will have an opinion on everything!

[Ivor]

Interesting to read Jock Scot’s comments highlighting that there are cultural differences between highlanders and lowlanders and people in Wales say a similar thing about people in north Wales and those in the south. Maybe it is something to do with country people versus those in large industrial areas because I don’t believe deep down the people are all that different. Nothing to do with wearing kilts though!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿