Is it possible to wear a kilt and not look like you're from Scotland?

[Liam]

Well Jock, I'm not sure where you're going with your road analogy, but if I've correctly read your posts over the years, then I believe that you find it amazing that anyone outside of the Highlands would wear a kilt, and puzzling that they do. Your preference, I think, is that we didn't. Your amazement and puzzlement are feelings that result from that preference and understanding.

My understanding of the kilt is different from yours, and I agree that I'm no Highlander. My sense is that your puzzlement comes from an utter incomprehension of the feelings outlanders have for the kilt or for heritage in general, and how we choose to express those feelings as they are, particularly here in Canada, and specifically by me personally.

I hope I'm coming close so far.

Having said that, the frequent subtle inferences by yourself and others that I shouldn't wear a kilt because I'm not sufficiently Scottish does sting. I say that only so that you and others will know the emotional response that arises from such comments. As I said, I'd be a poor friend were I not to tell you and others how it felt.

Finally, feelings in my opinion (and I've done a lot of professional study, training, and thought on this over almost as many years as you have under your belt) are the most genuine, unfiltered, and honest expression there is of who anyone is. To have them dismissed lightly by anyone is always a sad injustice. Thus, when people express them, wise and compassionate people tread lightly and thoughfully about them because feelings just are what they are. We don't decide to feel that way, we just do.

I understand where our Padre is coming from. I can also appreciate Jock's position as he was born and raised in the Highlands and has never left. The question to Jock is : "If you were to emigrate to another country, let's say Canada which has more citizens of Scottish ancestry than Scotland has citizens, would you leave your kilt and your heritage behind?". Do you think that you some how you would go through a cleansing process to remove your ancestry? - no our ancestry is what it is and we cannot change it.
I am asking these questions, I hope politely and in and attempt to further understanding.
Slainte

[Jock Scot]

I understand where our Padre is coming from. I can also appreciate Jock's position as he was born and raised in the Highlands and has never left. The question to Jock is : "If you were to emigrate to another country, let's say Canada which has more citizens of Scottish ancestry than Scotland has citizens, would you leave your kilt and your heritage behind?". Do you think that you some how you would go through a cleansing process to remove your ancestry? - no our ancestry is what it is and we cannot change it.
I am asking these questions, I hope politely and in and attempt to further understanding.
Slainte

I have travelled quite a bit in my time but never to North America. Of course I would leave the kilt behind, I am outwith the Highlands, my roots will go with me wherever I go, but the trappings will obviously stay behind where they belong. I am starting a new life in another country in this example, Canada----the fishing will be good, but I will be a Canadian not a Scot.

[The Wizard of BC]

If I may ask Jock. Did you wear a kilt, and what were your thoughts on kilt wearing, during all those years you were a dairy farmer in Yorkshire?

[Jock Scot]

Well Jock, I'm not sure where you're going with your road analogy, but if I've correctly read your posts over the years, then I believe that you find it amazing that anyone outside of the Highlands would wear a kilt, and puzzling that they do. Your preference, I think, is that we didn't. Your amazement and puzzlement are feelings that result from that preference and understanding.

My understanding of the kilt is different from yours, and I agree that I'm no Highlander. My sense is that your puzzlement comes from an utter incomprehension of the feelings outlanders have for the kilt or for heritage in general, and how we choose to express those feelings as they are, particularly here in Canada, and specifically by me personally.

I hope I'm coming close so far.

Having said that, the frequent subtle inferences by yourself and others that I shouldn't wear a kilt because I'm not sufficiently Scottish does sting. I say that only so that you and others will know the emotional response that arises from such comments. As I said, I'd be a poor friend were I not to tell you and others how it felt.

Finally, feelings in my opinion (and I've done a lot of professional study, training, and thought on this over almost as many years as you have under your belt) are the most genuine, unfiltered, and honest expression there is of who anyone is. To have them dismissed lightly by anyone is always a sad injustice. Thus, when people express them, wise and compassionate people tread lightly and thoughfully about them because feelings just are what they are. We don't decide to feel that way, we just do.

Well the road analogy is getting us nowhere!

Suffice to say, no I don't understand the need for those outwith Scotland to want to wear the kilt, but I have always understood that they do and for various reasons. I see absolutely no problem in that and "the playing at being a Scot' is the general good natured term we use . The detail is obviously tricky all round and therein lies the problem. What is difficult to take is the the complete lack of understanding from "your" side of the discussion of the frustration caused by "your" size tens walking all over the the other point of view and then have the temerity to cry foul when someone-----me at the moment-----points it out.

I repeat for the third time in this thread, I do not think these opposing points of view will ever be reconciled.

[Jock Scot]

If I may ask Jock. Did you wear a kilt, and what were your thoughts on kilt wearing, during all those years you were a dairy farmer in Yorkshire?

Of course you can Steve, but I never was a dairy farmer in Yorkshire. I operated much further South and West and I still have farming interests outwith Scotland and because of that I still venture South often, but I take your point.

I do not as a general rule wear the kilt outwith Scotland. Its one of those perfectly natural British "its just not done" things . On very rare occasion I have, by request by very, very special people, so about once every ten years or so. In truth it never occurs to me that I would want to.

[neloon]

This guy doesn't look remotely Scottish to me

Why not? Do you think all Scots are pink?
Alan

[neloon]

As we know, Jock does not believe in wearing the kilt when he sallies forth from his Highland fastness. Does he have his very own favourite Tigh an triubhais pub?
(See last paragraph)
http://www.tigh-an-truish.co.uk/about.html

Alan

[Jock Scot]

I have worn my kilt to that establishment a few times but not by taking a conscious thought to do so. Actually though, I am not much of a pub person and would not go unless it was to eat something, or meet someone.

To get to the point that you, I think, were wanting to make Alan. Doh!

Driving some 450 miles between destinations North and South and back, I find trousers are far more comfortable than the kilt. So we drive down/up at night, pit stop at TBay on the M6 going South and Abington services M74 going North, and try to get the journey done in about 9 hours depending on the mood and traffic/weather. By rail or air which we sometimes do, trousers are just less hassle. So no quick racing style changes of attire at some hostelry on the border for us!

[neloon]

Just so you all know that we Scots don't necessarily agree among ourselves
I always wore the kilt during my sojourn in England and I always wear it on (now rare) car journeys to London and other such places.
Of course, Jock, I don't quite live in the Highlands (or do I?) so maybe I shouldn't be wearing it at home.

Alan

[Jock Scot]

Just so you all know that we Scots don't necessarily agree among ourselves
I always wore the kilt during my sojourn in England and I always wear it on (now rare) car journeys to London and other such places.
Of course, Jock, I don't quite live in the Highlands (or do I?) so maybe I shouldn't be wearing it at home.

Alan

I have absolutely nothing to say!------------------------Yes I know!------------------------That makes a change!