Highlanders Discuss Highland Attire

**Phil** · 2nd March 10, 03:33 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

It is those that attend rather quieter functions dressed appallingly in some shoddy kilt and attire, that cause great offence to many.

Jock. You should feel sympathy towards such unfortunates, not offence. To at least have tried is something. And it should be an opportunity for some quiet advice.

**Jock Scot** · 2nd March 10, 03:56 AM

Originally Posted by Phil

Jock. You should feel sympathy towards such unfortunates, not offence. To at least have tried is something. And it should be an opportunity for some quiet advice.

Of course it is only fair not to generalise, but in my experience over the years these "types" are wearing the kilt as posers and are generally impervious to advice.Now that may sound unfair, arrogant even, nevertheless in most cases, it is true.

**Micric** · 2nd March 10, 07:35 AM

Jock,

I really like your candid replies, Thank you!!

"...Impervious to advice.." Very well put!

**davidlpope** · 2nd March 10, 07:55 AM

One of the other current threads contained this question:

Originally Posted by CMcG

So, I'm interested to know which times and places people believe one should not be kilted and why?

At what times/ places are Highlanders kilted? In other words, when do you wear YOUR kilt, when do you traditionally see other Highlanders kilted? When do you NOT wear a kilt?

Cordially,

David

**Redshank** · 2nd March 10, 08:16 AM

without being facetious with regards this question, if it was asked in the quite literal term, then simple common sense comes into play as to when and when not to wear the kilt, you have bear in mind that a majority of the kilts worn in the Highlands of Scotland on a daily basis will be 8 yard knife pleated hand stitched varieties that are either heirlooms passed down from faither to son, or substantial investments by the wearer, as such they are not subjected to the daily rigours of a manual working life.
I myself wear the kilt for work, my work is in a clean environment so the kilt comes to no harm, now if I was a sewage worker or diesel mechanic then no way would I wear the kilt for work.
Although as we have said the kilt is rarely seen as an everyday garment here, in some cases it is, and it's accepted without question on any occassion however badly or correctly it's worn.
Maybe if you could be more specific with the question, we could be of greater help.

**Tartan Hiker** · 2nd March 10, 10:30 AM

Great thread so far, gentlemen. Fascinating and valuable information.

I changed the title per thread originators' request.

Carry on.

**davidlpope** · 2nd March 10, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Redshank

without being facetious with regards this question, if it was asked in the quite literal term, then simple common sense comes into play as to when and when not to wear the kilt, you have bear in mind that a majority of the kilts worn in the Highlands of Scotland on a daily basis will be 8 yard knife pleated hand stitched varieties that are either heirlooms passed down from faither to son, or substantial investments by the wearer, as such they are not subjected to the daily rigours of a manual working life.
I myself wear the kilt for work, my work is in a clean environment so the kilt comes to no harm, now if I was a sewage worker or diesel mechanic then no way would I wear the kilt for work.
Although as we have said the kilt is rarely seen as an everyday garment here, in some cases it is, and it's accepted without question on any occassion however badly or correctly it's worn.
Maybe if you could be more specific with the question, we could be of greater help.

Perhaps I'm coming at it from the wrong direction. I understand that some wear the kilt daily doing their everyday activities.

What about those traditionalist Highlanders who own their kilt but do not wear the kilt on a daily basis? Is there a rhyme or reason (beyond "when I feel like it") for when the kilt is worn? Weddings, funerals, highland gatherings, church attendance, etc.?

Cordially,

david

I

**Jock Scot** · 2nd March 10, 11:48 AM

I suppose with the highlands being in the main a rural community it does not lend itself to wearing the kilt in this modern day and age. We have already discussed deer stalking and rod and line fishing where the kilt is shunned for better alternatives and these days there are, of that there is no question. Forestry, shepherding, fish farms, sea fishing, road works, building, general farm work, the aluminium smelting works at Fort William, garage mechanics, lorry driving, heavy distillery work would also not really be conducive to working in the kilt. So a large part of the community will never be wearing the kilt during the day.

People like Chris working in a clean and not too hazardous surroundings could do, a lot of the time. Most though, choose not to. In passing, I have to say Chris does look very well turned out in his kilt and he would wear the kilt more than most. So on special days, weddings, highland games, grannies 100th birthday, New Year, football, rugby, then the kilt can come out in force.I think not so much for funerals. For the Tartan Army type events, no doubt a cheaper kilt comes out, but for the rest the best 8 yard, knife pleated, clan tartan is let loose and they are treated with huge respect for many reasons, not least the expense.

Now not seeing wall to wall kilts in the highlands is no doubt disappointing for the visitors, but in reality hardly surprising. So it is left for old buffers like me to don the kilt when the mood takes and off I go, doing this that and the other around the place and like some rare bird when spotted on the horizon, out come the cameras! I used to find chatting with the visitors a pleasant way of spending a few minutes, but these days I tire too easily, so I think I wear my kilt less now than I ever did.

**Redshank** · 2nd March 10, 11:56 AM

There is an elderly gentleman living in the town where I work, he is actively involved in the church, provides guided tours of the town, a font of all historical knowledge both locally and nationally, served in the Argylls.
Now he wears his MacLean tartan often, ie, when is officiating at the church on a Sunday or at funerals/weddings/other church related functions, he wears his kilt, balmoral, hose hoisted up, never scrunched down, a crew neck sweater or shirt and tie tweed argyll style jacket, a proper sporran (his words, he doesn't like formal sporrans "you can't get your stuff in them") he carries his crommach everyday when he is offering his services as a towns tour guide or just walking the dog, he is oft stopped by tourists asking for photo's, he oblidges, but the next day you will see him wearing pants and tweed jacket, no real ryhmn nor reason to why and when, only in as much as it's how he feels on the day.

I expect like me, when he has worn the kilt all day, if he is going to just sit and relax in front of the TV in the evening, he will change out of his kilt into a comfortable pair of pants.

**MacLowlife** · 2nd March 10, 12:04 PM

How about this:

A family of seven brothers all have kilts.

One is laird of the manor and spends his days selling souvenirs to tourists.
The next one is estate manager. He deals with tradesmen and shooting outfitters
The next one is a clergyman, but he has started writing a memoir.
The next one is a lawyer in Glasgow.
The next one is a bank manager in the small village where his wife grew up.
The next one is a gamekeeper, working for his mother's cousins
The next one owns a bar. He and the lawyer also have some rental properties in Edinburgh.
The youngest is a musician, a layabout, and a sensitive artiste. He is hoping to find work in the government if his artistic career doesn't work out. He lives with his next older brother's star barmaid. He has also begun work on a screenplay.

When do they wear their kilts?

Oh, and for extra credit, which one always wanted to be a lumberjack?

(Sorry if this duplicates Jock and Redshank a little- they posted as I typed...