I didn't know what to expect the first time I donned my kilt, I was going to a family gathering, non-Scottish side of the family at that. The first comment was from a stranger at a quick stop where I picked up ice and drinks on the way; she remarked how nice I looked (she was Scottish). My better half was beaming when she heard that! At the picnic, the only derogatory remarks were from a couple of my brothers, but what do they know? Most everyone else wanted to know what the kilt represented, so I simply explained the Scottish connection (Muirhead) on my mother's side of the family. After that, there was nothing to it.

I will admit though, I don't wear it often and still feel somewhat conspicuous unless I'm with other kilt-wearers.

As David Farragut said, "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" (US Navy tradition) He was a Civil War Admiral of Scotch-Irish descent.