Wearing a Kilt while Touring Scotland?

[nh_maclean]

I'm sure a lot of guys here have or would, if visiting Scotland, wear a kilt. And I'm of that mindframe as well (countdown is about 3weeks!) but my question is how prevelant is kilt wearing over there? I really don't want to come across as a Tourist who thinks Kilts are Quaint, etc.

My style is pretty contemporary - even with my traditional kilts:
boots (nothing heavy - just simple plain leather boot that matches the color of the sporran); boot socks or kilt socks slouched down. I don't wear flashes and i usually don't wear a belt but might bring one. I usually top it off with a T-shirt under a sweater or zippered sweatshirt. If i'm going more dressy i'll wear a button down shirt with a sweater, vest and/or jacket. I probably will be going for the more casual look while there.

If anyone has any experiences or stories or advice that'd be much appreciated. I don't want to be "that Tourist" and I also don't want to be seen as potentially offensive as I don't do the whole Traditional style. (I should note I'm not going the whole time kilted but do want to spend a good portion of the time in a kilt.)

Now to decide which Kilt to bring! I'm leaning towards my Maclean Ancient Hunting or Modern Hunting.... decisions. Decisions!

Thanks much,
Noah

[TheOfficialBren]

My impression is that they are very rarely seen in the wild over yonder.

Don't worry...being from California myself, as soon as we utter one word we are pretty well-pegged. Darn that hard, rhotic accent.

I galso get the stron impression that if one were to decide to wear the kilt in Scotland that one should forego any tendencies to wear it outside of the generally accepted THCD style.

I may be completely wrong but that ismthe impression that I get from seeing this topic many times over on the forum. Try a search. There are many good threads on this topic.

Most of all, enjoy your trip, mate!

[Father Bill]

Bren's got it.

[JohntheBiker]

You will stand out wearing a kilt in Scotland and most folks will peg you as a tourist (possible exception - other tourists). Most folks won't take offence, they'll just think that you are quaint. They wear their kilts, if they have them, for events and occasions. I've worn a kilt in Scotland and for the most part been the only one kilted. However, if you are a North American kilt wearer, you are used to standing out from the crowd. By all means wear your kilt!

There are lots of threads here that will tell you the same thing, more or less. Have a great trip and enjoy!

[Jock Scot]

Wear your kilt.

[creagdhubh]

Wear your kilt.

Hello Noah,

I agree with Jock...wear the kilt! Just wear it tastefully and with confidence.

I wear Highland dress every time I am in Scotland, but more specifically, every time I am in the Scottish Highlands. I have rarely worn the kilt in larger cities such as Edinburgh, Perth, Aberdeen or Glasgow and when I have, it was for special occasions when others were expected to be in Highland dress (i.e. - what the invitation stated), bit I say go for it! Like my fellow Macpherson cousins, I typically wear the kilt for an extended period of time during the annual Clan Macpherson Gathering and Rally, which takes place the first weekend in August in Newtonmore, Kingussie and Laggan in beautiful Inverness-shire, and often the Wednesday after for a nice luncheon at my chief's home of Newton Castle in lovely Blairgowrie, Perthshire.

Here are several photos of me wearing Highland dress whilst in Scotland.




















Best of luck to you and enjoy green Alba!

Slainte,

[Roderick Powell]

Yes I would agree with You as I have been a Kilted tourist From England.
I like your Photos, bring back many happy memories. Average Idea of what one is Likely to find on the average trip north of the Border.
Check out the way the kilt is worn.I tend to wear the kilt with attention to detail.Just wear the kilt correctly and hold your ground.
Remember you are trying to be accepted in an unknown ball park of fashion.
I just keep it simple and traditional.You may meet the civy bands or the Highland Regimental Bands. Lots of attention to detail either way.
If you have time , check out a local band before you leave home. Roddy.
I usually travel alone in UK so try to keep up what is an internationally excepted standard.
If you Keep your mouth closed, no one will know where you come from.
I go kilting with the local ex pat caledonians . I try to remain a well spoken gentleman without any accent. I have been accepted locally for years. If you speak plain English the Locals will accept you. Roddy.

[Cecil]

Wear your kilt on Mull for sure. I met Sir Lachlan last year when we visited there. Stayed in Tobermory at Hotel with the same name. Yes by all means check out the pub by the distillery. Machuggins or something like that. Try some Cullen Skink, smoked haddock soup. I am Clan MacLaine of Lochbuie your cousin clan. Safe trip. Enjoy.

[StevieR]

Hi Noah,

I'm fairly new to this forum but have found this is an oft asked question.

I've just returned from three weeks in Scotland and saw I think, about six kilted chaps. Two pipers, a sales assistant in Hector Russell and one each at Dunvegan and Inveraray castles (I did have the pleasure of meeting Sir Lachlan MacLean at Duart castle on Mull, but he wore tartan trews!) and an American lad in Portree, who was very well turned out.

This might give you a idea of how common day to day kilt wear is in Scotland - almost never! It seems to be the preserve of high days and holidays.

Wear your kilt in the way you suggest. You will be seen as an American tourist, 'cause that's what you are but trust me, you will not offend anyone and you will find that the Scots are wonderfully warm and engaging (yes, I am one, but I've lived down south for so long I've got a dodgy accent and they think I'm English ).

Have a great holiday and make sure you have a pint or two of 80/-

[andycwb]

I have seen a kilt described as a garment worn by Americans in Scotland, and Scotsman in the rest of the world. Wear it properly, or not at all.