Kilts in Church

[Frank McGrath]

I walked into church today and was bombarded by people asking "Did you see the other guy in his Kilt?". So I went in search of. I found not one but two other kilts in the sanctuary. The son and grandson of a friend of mine. They were wearing their Sport Kilts. So now there are three kilties in the congregation.
On another note, It is amazing how many people ask "Are you playing somewhere today?" "is today a Scottish Holiday?" Is there a parade.? I just snapped back with the designated drinker answer. Well, today I just about had my head removed by a little old lady that I thought had lived in town all of her life. I had heard her speak abaout the history of the town at a Hysterical Society meeting a couple of years ago. I found out she is Scottish by birth and NO one will make fun of her heritage. She asked me who my scottish relative was. I could not answer as I have not researched back that far. She said I must stop wearing the kilt until I have a name. I said thank you for your input, but I will wear it with pride and dignity. She went on and on , raising her voice on every sentence. Now, I have always had respect for my elders, but I almost yelled at the lady. So, at the age of 55, I felt like I was a schoolboy again. I just stood there and took it, hoping she would slow down enough to let me speak. The Pastors finally came over and got between us. She huffed and left. I am sure we will meet again.

[SteveB]

Due to a similar type on the Hysterical Landmarks Committee, I only wear regional tartans to the public meetings of this board. He has gotten used to my Irish National Kit. The last meeting I went to I decided to wear my American Heritage kilt by Rocky. He came over before the meeting to ask about the clan of the tartan that I probably don't belong to. I then informed him of the name of the tartan, got a no such thing is legal attitude. i opened up my laptop and showed him the registration with the Scottish Tartans Authority. He shut up and was wandering back to his seat when I asked him what tartan he should be wearing seeing as he claimed to have all this Scot background. he gave me a puzzled look because he did not even know..... The chair of this group is an Armstrong, and right after the last discussion, the chairman walked in in full Armstrong kit. the loudmouth decided he was outnumbered and stayed quiet the rest of the meeting.

[Bill]

A few years ago at our church's 125th anniversary celebration I wore my Black Stewart kilt one of our little old ladies asked me if I was "Entitled"? The question gave me breif pause while I digested her meaning and then I replied that I was indeed "entitled being able to trace my Scots ancestry from three lines. She then turned and left with a smile have made sure that all was correct.

Steve B. My wife is is decendant from the MacNiels of Barra I tease her good naturedly about them being a bunch of pirates. I proudly wear the MacNeil tartan in tribute to her side of the family.

Slainte'

Bill

[auld argonian]

"Is today a Scottish holiday?"

I was getting off the commuter train one day (wearing a kilt, of course) and some drunk yelled that at me from across the platform.

My response?

"EVERY DAY IS A SCOTTISH HOLIDAY!"

Leaving behind a lot of laughing commuters and one stunned drunk.

And if the lady is Scottish by birth, you would think that she'd know better and have a bit more class than to act in such a huffy manner.

Best

AA

[kevinkinney]

Hello,

I, and my matching 4 year old accessory, have received nothing but happy remarks from the members of our congregation. There are plenty of Scandahovian surnames on our roster, but a surprising number of 'McXXXX' name tags on the rack in the hallway too. Our particular flavor of Christianity is pretty laid back, but I'll show some respect to the earthier view points of our members by NOT wearing my roadkill fox sporran to services.

I wish you luck in your meetings.

Kevin.

[ardchoille]

Ask the lady to show you where it is written in law that you must have a Scottish ancestor in order to wear the kilt. I find this takes the wind out of their sails real quick ;)

[SteveB]

Bill,
My mother is a MacNeil of Barra. Having seen Baysideboy's new MacNeil of Barra Ancient kilt. I am about to order a HoE to replace the one I outgrew horizontally. I am proud of our pirate heritage, and the goodness that the ancients did with the neighboring clans when the chips were down. I outgrew a tank that I wore for thirty-five years (size 28). It has been passed down to a nephew who proudly wears it in New York City. I need to replace it as my body is unlikely to see that size again.

[Verlyn]

Man, that's too bad to hear. Every natural born Scot I have ever run into while wearing my kilt has been thrilled when seeing me and its always ended up being at least a half hour very pleasant conversation. One woman was a service worker at the hotel in Reno where I was attending a conference and she almost teared up explaining that I made her feel like she was visiting home. Another couple that I met at Lowe's saw my "Real Men Wear Kilts" bumper sticker and said they had to complement me on my taste and the gentleman in his beautiful Scots accent comment, "Oh, look, he actually means it! He's wearing the tartan. How wonderful." Another exPat Scot that I see at professional conferences makes it a point to find me every year to say hi and have a beer. So, there are those out there that do appreciate the dignified and prideful wearing of the kilt. Hang in there.

Oh, yeah, and wasn't the name McGrath enough for her?

[Frank McGrath]

Oh, yeah, and wasn't the name McGrath enough for her?

I never got a word in edgewise. A friend of hers that had seen me before told her more as they wee walking away. Some other people around me that know me and have seen the kilt on many occasions just kind of stared and then broke out in laughter after she left. Maybe it was just the T shirt I was wearing that she didn't like. But it just doesn't matter. I will keep wearing the kilt when and how I like.

[Jock Scot]

Now if she was a REAL Scots lady,she would have politely chatted to you for a while and then politely bid you good day.You would never know what she was thinking!