kilts in Edinburgh

[Martin S]

As initiator of this thread, let me add that I would never say that citizens of Edinburgh or anywhere else *ought* to wear the kilt, but one cannot help but feel faintly disappointed at seeing so few in the capital of the country that led the way in non-bifurcation.

I never expected to see any more kilts in Scotland than in France up to now, and I'm quite sure that this monomaniac forum is responsible for raising expectations; reading here day after day, it seems that the whole world is getting into kilts !

It was then disappointing to find that, apart from its very disticntive architecture and urban layout, Edinburgh is little different from any other town in GB (Marks & Spencer, Woolworths... and men in trousers). Why the locals even sound like something out of Eastenders these days!
(popular very southern Sassenach TV soap; it appears that even the Queen watches it, probably so that her speeches will be more understandable by hoi polloi.)

Martin

[Phil]

Why the locals even sound like something out of Eastenders these days!
(popular very southern Sassenach TV soap; it appears that even the Queen watches it, probably so that her speeches will be more understandable by hoi polloi.)

Martin

They are known as "Yaa-Yaa's" by the locals because they keep saying "Yaa". Must be a deficiency in the southern English dialect. They send their children to Edinburgh University, buy them expensive flats and lavish money on them so they can sit in restaurants, clubs and pubs saying "Yaa". They don't seem to mingle with the locals but keep very much to themselves in an effort to ensure that their carefully groomed superiority complexes are not compromised by any contact with Scottish people. There is another branch of the species but they are normally only recognisable until late afternoon on a Friday. They also do not mingle with locals but stride purposefully towards the nearest pub. They have just been disgorged from a train on their way to Rose Street at the start of a "Stag weekend" and can still speak as they will only just have started pouring prodigious amounts of alcohol down their necks. They can be instantly recognised by their matching T-shirts usually bearing obscene slogans, frequently by their distinctive headgear such as cowboy hats or viking helmets and their rich Cockney accents (as in "Eastenders") which are always liberally interspersed with obscene expletives. They invariably manage to surprise and entertain groups of douce local elderly ladies while on their way to church especially when, by Sunday, one or more of them can be seen trying to retain some modesty after their companions have stripped them naked on the Royal Mile or other such boyish pranks. They are soon gone, however, leaving behind their distinctive trademarks which is usually the contents of their stomachs and more that I really shouldn't mention up and down the streets of the Capital. While this is always good news for the pigeon population providing them with a welcome addition to their diet it can make the Monday morning walk to work a bit of a minefield.
Still enough of our Southern neighbours, apart from myself I saw three kilted locals today, none of whom were busking with bagpipes, opening hotel doors or working in a kilt shop and all of this between one end of Princes Street and the other. I dutifully had my camera with me but, sadly, not a single Japanese wearing a kilt over his jeans but I will persevere. I didn't count the piper near Waverley Station nor the doorman at the Balmoral hotel so that adds up to 6 altogether - not a bad tally really for a Friday in Edinburgh.

[ozone]

Phil,

Glad that you have the camera at the ready now. I am sure that the opportunity will present itself for a japanese or other tourist trying and failing to pull off the local garb. Kee pat it and post the piccies when you get them. Today I met a nice Scot at the food and wine festival by the name of Martin, he's the head salesperson for Highland Park Whisky. He was wearing a nice 21st century business kilt with matching jacket. We spoke for awhile, but no free whisky bottle came my way. I'll try again tomorrow and at least get a picture. So there's a Scot who liked wearing a kilt for work.....in Aspen Colorado.

BTW, highland park 18yr is VERY nice

[Phil]

My daughter gave me a bottle of Highland Park for my birthday last year. A very thoughtful gift and, yes, it was very nice.

[Robin]

Last summer I've seen 1 casual kilt wearer (in Inverness) in Scotland.

It was a bit odd, because people seem to appreciate a guy wearing the kilt casual. People smiled, nodded their head, made compliments and an often heard remark from women..."more men should wear their kilt".


Kilted in Edinburgh

I was a target for tourists pretty often (Urquhart Castle, Royal Mile, Culloden etc.) Many tourist now have a picture of a Dutch guy in their photo album.

I expect to see more kilts next year

[Phil]

Monday 19th - see Geoffrey Tailor is advertising a 1/2 price sale in his windows. Apart from 2 guys busking near the castle saw no kilts whatsoever today. Didn't even have mine on as it was raining.