Tartan-wearing conventions among Scots

[davidlpope]

For those of you who have had an opportunity, firsthand, to observe highland dress being worn in Scotland, or Scots wearing highland dress outside Scotland, a query:

Is there a generally accepted practice among Scots whose surnames are not associated with a particular tartan when it comes to which tartan they wear? In other words, do you find that they wear a tartan associated with their mother's maiden name, grandmother's maiden name, etc., or do they wear a district, regimental, or universal tartan (Hunting Stewart, Caledonia, etc.)?

A disclaimer: I'm not trying to rehash a "wear whatever tartan you want to wear" thread, but am trying to get some real data on what Scots do in Scotland...

Cordially,

David

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I would venture to say that probably 90% of those who own their own kilt (as opposed to renting one) would own one in their clan or family tartan.

[davidlpope]

I would venture to say that probably 90% of those who own their own kilt (as opposed to renting one) would own one in their clan or family tartan.

What about folks that don't have a "clan or family tartan" associated with their surname?

[Jock Scot]

What about folks that don't have a "clan or family tartan" associated with their surname?

Yes I see what you are getting at, in truth no one asks! I suppose we assume some sort of clan connection. Another reason for only wearing one tartan, as we usually do.

I can't say that I have really noticed, but district tartans are not really worn by individuals, I think that on the whole we would probably assume they were for pipe bands, if we give it any thought at all.

[Phil]

What about folks that don't have a "clan or family tartan" associated with their surname?

And what about those that do but wouldn't be seen dead in that tartan. There are 4 types of Scots that I can think of off-hand:-
1. Those that won't wear a kilt, not ever, in no circumstances
2. Those that hire a kilt for weddings etc. - they will wear anything the hire company has on offer
3. Those that buy a cheap kilt because they can't justify spending a lot of money - once again they will wear anything they can get at the right price
4. And finally those who want to look good and pay top price for a full 8 yard kilt, probably in a tartan connected to their father's surname or, failing that like me, their mother's.

[Edinburghkiltie]

And what about those that do but wouldn't be seen dead in that tartan. There are 4 types of Scots that I can think of off-hand:-
1. Those that won't wear a kilt, not ever, in no circumstances
2. Those that hire a kilt for weddings etc. - they will wear anything the hire company has on offer
3. Those that buy a cheap kilt because they can't justify spending a lot of money - once again they will wear anything they can get at the right price
4. And finally those who want to look good and pay top price for a full 8 yard kilt, probably in a tartan connected to their father's surname or, failing that like me, their mother's.

I agree with the above comments - I think that reflects the reality of the situation. I'd add a further two categories:
5. Once you have a number of kilts (and you might have your clan tartan in ancient, modern and/or weathered versions) you might for the sake of variety simply own a kilt in a tartan that you particularly like the look of. My clan is Farquharson (see pic) and I have the kilt in ancient , modern and weathered versions but I also have kilts in Gunn, Spirit of Scotland, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Black Douglas, Black Watch, Lady Borrowdale's Gift, Highland Granite, Isle of Skye & Ramsay.
6. Some people don't have a clan tartan to fall back on eg Scots of Irish descent so they tend to pic a neutral tartan (eg district or spirit or pride of scotland) or simply one they like.
Richard
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotos_b...ay/2766126005/

[O'Callaghan]

This thread is educational. I have read in other threads that one should choose a district tartan before going with remote relatives, but it has become evident that nearly all Scots do quite the reverse, and regards district tartans as the tartans of last resort. Also, it seems that some Scots are not above simply wearing a tartan they like and can get for the right price, whereas the 'kilt police' would tell you that only Americans do that. I think the message is that Scots show common sense. Not a Scot or an American here, so no axe to grind.

[McMurdo]

David
My Dad's kilt was a Gunn Modern, his mother's maiden name was Gunn, he was born in Blackburn outside Aberdeen. Now the interesting thing is that our last name is a sept of Graham, I have since joined the Graham Clan Society. I also wear the Graham of Mentieth tartan.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

This is just an informal observation, but most that I have talked to would say -- all things being equal -- wear a tartan associated with your father's line. However, I know plenty of Scots who wear tartans for their mothers and grandmothers, so I don't think many see this as a hard and fast rule, rather than a general guideline to help people pick what tartan to wear.

I think most would agree, though, that if there is a tartan directly associated with your surname, that would be the primary one to wear.

[Jock Scot]

This is just an informal observation, but most that I have talked to would say -- all things being equal -- wear a tartan associated with your father's line. However, I know plenty of Scots who wear tartans for their mothers and grandmothers, so I don't think many see this as a hard and fast rule, rather than a general guideline to help people pick what tartan to wear.

I think most would agree, though, that if there is a tartan directly associated with your surname, that would be the primary one to wear.

You are right there Matt, however, I honestly don't think we give it much thought. I don't think many Scots know enough about tartans,other than their own and one or two more, and we are far too polite to enquire.