I think it is necessary to be aware that there is a great potential for friction amongst us, thanks to our coming to kilt wearing from a variety of sources.

On the one side there are people like myself broght up in a traditional way: there are others who rightly have adopted the traditional kilt as a sensible way of dressing, and there areb others who have been persuaded by the practicality and appearance of such faux kilts as the Utilikilt. All excellent reasons, and ones I would support.

The thread in respect of the skean dhu brought this home to me: for on the one side there are those who see it as just another accessory, and on the other those who see it as a symbol of the warrior past of our clansfolk. Making it both a link to our traditions and why we wear the kilt, and also something that differentiates what we wear, from the skirts worn by so many women and schoolgirls in this country. [UK]

This in turn leads to another point of difference, in that many new to kilt wearing are looking for examples as to how it should be worn: and oft I will read statements that 'the kilt is not a costume'!

Yet so often the examples taken are of costumes, be they of girl, and other dancers, the marriage and other outfits provided by tailors rightly out to make a profit, and the amazing creations of the cinema.

This in turn has lead to items that the traditionalist, long time kilt wearer would see as being purely costume, being adopted as rightful accessories to kilt wearing.

It is not for me to say what is right or wrong, or even suggest that something might not be quite right. Quite the reverse in fact, for unless the kilt is dynamic and evolves with time and need, it will rightly be relegated to a mere novelty.

However as the membership of this board grows, we do need to be aware of the potential for friction, and be careful not to create unnecessary dissent. I write this with feeling, for on several recent occasions I've drafted a response and then binned it, on the grounds that it would cause as stated, unnecessary dissent.

James