A Question for the Scottish Bretheren

**seanachie** · 8th July 10, 07:50 AM

**Note this is not designed to be a question of or about policy or politics***

I watch PMQs every Wednesday without fail. I am curious as to whether there is a reason why Scottish MPs are not regularly kilted in the House of Commons (from what I have seen). Is it matter of choice, tradition or protocol? In some ways I think it is a shame, as there is discussion on Scotland (i.e. the computer games industry in Dundee) and this would, to my mind, put such a Scottish mark on the proceedings. From the history I have learned in this forum, I know of tartan being banned in Scottish history and wearing tartan would seem to be a point of Scot pride. I had the opportunity a few years ago to visit the NZ Parliament, and admitedly not quite the same, but MPs frequently had sheep skins from their constituencies over the back of their seats in Parliament. I liked that quite a bit.

**Jock Scot** · 8th July 10, 08:03 AM

In truth I don't know the answer. There was a Scots MP, a Knight as I recall, that used to wear tartan trews and waist coat to special events at Parliament many years ago.

Perhaps more to the point, why is the kilt not often seen in the Scots Parliament?

**McClef** · 8th July 10, 08:07 AM

The only Scots MP I can recall wearing a kilt as well as other tartan costume in the House of Commons was the late Sir Nicholas Fairbairn.

Let alone that House, they do not appear to be often visible in the Scottish Parliament either.

**macwilkin** · 8th July 10, 08:09 AM

From Matt & I's article on Irish kilts regarding a kilt-wearing member of the House of Lords:

When [William Gibson, 2nd Baron] Ashborne was first admitted to the House of Lords in May, 1913, the New York Times reported that there was great curiosity if he would wear his saffron kilt to Westminster. Such an act might have caused an incident, as some months before, the House of Commons refused to admit an Irishman to the stranger’s gallery because he was wearing a kilt. (May 1913)

Ashborne was a member of the Irish gentry.

T.

**Paul Henry** · 8th July 10, 08:14 AM

I would be more surprised if the MPs did wear kilts.

In Scotland as is oft mentioned here the kilt is tradtionally worn seldom, except to special events, but generally is kept for best ( excluding the Tartan Army).
The kilt could well be thought of a traditional Highland garment, rather than a (generic) Scottish one, and not all MPs are from the Highlands!

I don't imagine for a moment that there is any political reason for wearing or not wearing a kilt, it's simply one of personal choice

**seanachie** · 8th July 10, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

Let alone that House, they do not appear to be often visible in the Scottish Parliament either.

I reguarly watch PMQs on the internet at night on CSpan (it starts at 4 am California time), but we do not get regular coverage of the Scottish Parliament, at least from a source I am familiar with. I have trekked down form the Ibis at Hunter Square to Parliament to try and get into the public gallery but it was not in session.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 8th July 10, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

In truth I don't know the answer. There was a Scots MP, a Knight as I recall, that used to wear tartan trews and waist coat to special events at Parliament many years ago.

Perhaps more to the point, why is the kilt not often seen in the Scots Parliament?

Jock, are you thinking of Nicky Fairbairn or Harry Borthwick? I may be wrong, but I seem to recall Harry wearing a kilt when he was introduced in Lords.

As far as MSPs not wearing the kilt... I don't think it's "Euro" enough for them.

**Jock Scot** · 8th July 10, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Jock, are you thinking of Nicky Fairbairn or Harry Borthwick? I may be wrong, but I seem to recall Harry wearing a kilt when he was introduced in Lords.

As far as MSPs not wearing the kilt... I don't think it's "Euro" enough for them.

Ah yes,the former is the fellow that I was thinking of.

**ThistleDown** · 8th July 10, 10:43 AM

I don't have an answer to the question, either, but it is a sad thing when we struggle to remember the name of the one member of Parliament who in the past attended national events in his national dress.

**KenB** · 8th July 10, 12:59 PM

Very interesting discussion. I wonder why the Scottish Parliament is not conducted in both English and Gaelic? Perhaps if it were bi-lingual, MP's would also chose to wear the kilt more often.