kilts in Scotland

**macwilkin** · 4th January 08, 05:35 PM

If you'd rather that we all reserve the kilt for special occasions because that's your preferred custom, then you are - of course - welcome to hold that preference. But it is hardly the basis to take offense or express your indignation when someone else prefers to adapt the kilt to a broader purpose. With great respect for what's happened in the past, I don't live there anymore.

Abax:

I can't speak for Chef, but I can speak for myself. I would never hold anyone but myself accountable to my standards regarding Highland attire. What I object to is the assumption that because many Scots choose not to wear the kilt on a casual, day-to-day basis, they are somehow abandoning the kilt and Highland attire. Like many Scots, I choose to wear the kilt for certain functions -- but I hold only myself to that standard. I certainly respect those who wear a kilt on a daily basis -- all I ask is for that respect to be returned.

Regards,

Todd

**Oldhiker** · 4th January 08, 05:57 PM

I have noticed that for Americans in general we a have a great need to be able to connect with our roots. This is irregardless of which country of origin of our ancestors. We Americans only have 300 years of history at a maximum.
Germany, Ireland, Scotland, etc have thousands of years of history right in their backyard. The natives have grown up with that knowledge. It is new an exciting to us americans finding our roots and it is fantastic memorable joyous event. I am not saying native europeans are not history fanatics, it is just not as big of an experience to see a castle or a battlesite.

I think at least for me wearing a kilt is a way to connect back to newly gained knowledge of my roots. My ancestors in Indiana wore a coonskin cap but I knew that growing up and have no desire to do it now.

**James MacMillan** · 4th January 08, 09:30 AM

Not being able to do the cost conversion in my head, and being too lazy to seek out the proper web-site, I have the question of wanting to know - In Scotland -Does renting a kilt cost more or less than renting a tuxedo?

In the U.S. it costs almost twice as much for kilt rental than for tuxedo. The lowest rental cost I could find was $45 for one day, and the lowest kilt rental $89 -with $100 for tux and $170 for kilt being more common.

One interesting gambit for the wedding party, several locations will give the tux free to the groom, if his wedding party rents from the same location. A couple even gave kick-backs to the groom.

There are also so many other variables, that it makes comparison difficult.

**Darkislander** · 4th January 08, 02:09 PM

Can't really add much to the above. There was a time when we went to war in them, socialised in them as every day wear. It now has become formal attire.

**ozone** · 4th January 08, 03:42 PM

from: www.macgregorandmacduff.co.uk
Kid's Kilt Hire Package £45.00 - View >
Prince Charlie Hire Package £49.00 - View >
Argyll Hire Package £49.00 - View >
Ghillie Shirt Hire Package £69.00 - View >
Glen Orchy Tweed Hire Package £79.00 - View >
Glen Orchy Black Kilt Hire PackageImage Spacer £79.00 - View >

Looks like, at current exchange rates ($1.97295 to the pound), kilt hire is rather expensive in GB as well. Surprisingly, the rates for what we may consider a "traditional" kilt package seem to be comparable to the USA.

As far as kilt-wearing Scottish people go, I saw more kilties in one day in Portland, Oregon than I saw in 2 weeks in Scotland when visiting in 2003.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 4th January 08, 04:24 PM

BANG ON THE MARK CHEF! You've nailed it. Kilts, real, proper kilts, are something special to a Scot. As for the quasi-kilt... well, it's just so much "look at me" counter-cultural clothing.

I don't see the Nisai Japanese inventing utili-kimonos, or sport-kimonos. Perhaps they have more respect for the special things in their culture than do our own people born upon foreign shores.

Like Chef I'm a kilt snob and proud of it.

**arrogcow** · 4th January 08, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

BANG ON THE MARK CHEF! You've nailed it. Kilts, real, proper kilts, are something special to a Scot. As for the quasi-kilt... well, it's just so much "look at me" counter-cultural clothing.

I don't see the Nisai Japanese inventing utili-kimonos, or sport-kimonos. Perhaps they have more respect for the special things in their culture than do our own people born upon foreign shores.

Like Chef I'm a kilt snob and proud of it.

I appreciate that you don't like contemporary kilts, but ascribing motives to those of us that wear them (and i wear traditional kilts as well) has no place on this forum.

Adam

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 4th January 08, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by arrogcow

I appreciate that you don't like contemporary kilts, but ascribing motives to those of us that wear them (and i wear traditional kilts as well) has no place on this forum.

Adam

Adam-- I don't like or dislike quasi-kilts; I merely dismiss them in the same way I dismiss zoot suits, nehru jackets, and platform shoes (except for Frankenstien's monster). Further, I have ascribed no motivation to those who choose to wear them. As far as how people choose to dress, well my attitude is this: When the sun is shining you may carry an umbrella. When it rains, you may do as you please.