wearing kilts in Scotland

[GMan]

I feel like you guys worry too much about being labelled a 'tourist'. For one thing, you ARE a tourist, LOL! But seriously, if you wear your kilt just as you do at home (or as I hope you do), like it's no big deal, just ordinary clothing (so to speak -- though of course we all know there's something 'special' about a kilt!), you need not be self-conscious anywhere. Wear it properly, with accessories appropriate to the occasion, and I doubt anyone would take offense.

I cannot agree more! Do what is natural, that is the only way to be.

[Graham]

Yes, again Cyndi has hit the nail on the head.

I imagine that once in Scotland some will think that I'm just wearing a kilt because I'm in Scotland (bit like Charles seems to do).

they cannot know that the kilt is my everyday wear as it has been for two years.

Like is was said by Roscommoner, their problem will not be my problem.

Daneel, when are you going over? maybe we'll bump into each other?

[Roscommoner]

In the end it's definitely just one's personal opinion. I don't think it's wrong or right if a Canadian or American wants to wear a kilt in Scotland. I personally probably will not bring my kilt, but I see nothing wrong if someone else does and I wouldn't expect a negative reaction to wearing it. It is true, no matter where you are tourists stick out like a sore thumb. When I was in Ireland they could see us coming a mile away, so believe me I have no false pretenses about fitting in and not being thoroughly touristy. We'll be going to Lock Ness, can you beat that? :-) And here in Florida, we can spot the Europeans, Canadians and Yankees a mile off so I expect no less in return. :-P

No way in hell you would've missed me. I was the lunatic in the drop top red mustang (a rental), fur felt Akubra Stockman hat, Complete with utilikilt , flying down Armenia ave at like 4 am.

I just spent two weeks in Indian shores (where a friend owns an absolutely fabulous beach front condo), and had many pleasant forays into tampa bay.
My fav point in the bay area is without doubt the Four Green Fields. Familiar with it, murph?

Fortunately, Mickey Quinn's, a cosey little irish theme pub run by the nicest Irish expat lady, was also only about a hundred yards from my condo, which my wife now jokingly refers to as the "100 yard Stagger", in reference to too many long nights filled with waaaaay too many guinness pints.


Okay, back to topic now

[Thistle Stop]

In the end it's definitely just one's personal opinion. I don't think it's wrong or right if a Canadian or American wants to wear a kilt in Scotland. I personally probably will not bring my kilt, but I see nothing wrong if someone else does and I wouldn't expect a negative reaction to wearing it. It is true, no matter where you are tourists stick out like a sore thumb. When I was in Ireland they could see us coming a mile away, so believe me I have no false pretenses about fitting in and not being thoroughly touristy. We'll be going to Loch Ness, can you beat that? :-) And here in Florida, we can spot the Europeans, Canadians and Yankees a mile off so I expect no less in return. :-P

A funny thing that happens to us in Northern Europe, especially Scandinavia, is that when my husband and I are together, people assume we are Americans, and speak to us in English. But if I am alone, they address me in the local language. Both of us have Northern European genetic heritage, but there must be something about me, or my clothes, or whatever, that doesn't look American, and something about Alan that does. I have never been able to figure out why this happens. Next time we're over there, I will insist that Alan wears his kilt, and then we'll see what confusion we can wreak!

[highlander_Daz]

I dont know wher this idea has arose that Scots would somehow object to US or Canadian tourist wearing a kilt- no one will care, you will most likely spend all your time fending off fellow tourists who want a photograph taking with you !!!no one -especially Scots will object.

Murphy Stout you will stand out more as a tourist by asking for "Lock" Ness

[Graham]

I dont know wher this idea has arose that Scots would somehow object to US or Canadian tourist wearing a kilt- no one will care, you will most likely spend all your time fending off fellow tourists who want a photograph taking with you !!!no one -especially Scots will object.

well I can live with that, that is good news!

[tomward187]

I think that there is too much emphasis placed on kilts being "touristy" in Scotland. There are areas of Scotland where a kilt is moreso the rule and not the exception. Tomward, where are you?

My "tank" will be making the trip with me, no question about it. I will be making a trip from Bridge of Allan to Dunoon, to visit the Lamont Memorial and the castle ruins at Toward. How could I not wear my Lamont tartan for that? What could POSSIBLY be more appropriate to wear as I visit my ancestral home? I will also wear it to Lanark for the close of the Walk for Wallace event.

A "tourist" is the guy at Disney World in the dress shirt, shorts, sandals and dark socks. (Don't laugh, you've seen the guy too!) If you are kilted in an appropriate manner, you are not going to attract any more attention that somebody driving a car with a rental agency sticker in the back window.

LOL, popping in to back up my mate Mike.. where I'm from there's guys kickin about who wear kilts every day. No one I know thinks that kilts are touristy.. wear em with pride My family encourages me to wear a kilt here. It's seen as sign of respect, if anything.

[Graham]

Again, encouraging to hear that from someone actually living in Scotland!

[Murphy Stout]

@ Roscommer
Yes, I've been to Four Green Fields many times, it's one of my favorites! On the other side of the bay I like Grace O'Malleys and the Harp & Thistle. Grace's is kind of my home base.

@ Highlander_Daz
Absolutely. But again, I have no false ideas that I won't be quite noticeably tourist. But that's part of the fun. I enjoy people saying they like my accent :-).

Maybe I should add that my kilt is not part of my daily attire, though it is becoming moreso. But maybe I will bring a kilt. I'm feeling convinced. But, I'm from Florida and will be there in March, so frankly I'm going to wear whatever clothes are warmest! :-)