Quote Originally Posted by mudd
This is something I am very interested in knowing too. Does anybody out there know the facts?

I tell my wife and others that tradition says nothing is to be worn under the kilt. But when they ask me why, I don’t know what to say. I can’t keep saying, “Just because!”.
Well, technically, the practice could go back to the formation of the Highland regiments, the first being the Independent Highland Companies in 1724, which in turn became the Black Watch. If Highlanders did not wear undergarments in civilian life, then it's probably safe to say that they didn't when they took "the king's shilling" either. I'm sure Matt will have some information about that! :mrgreen:

I do know of a number of popular French cartoons during the occupation after Napoleon's defeat that show various "flashing" incidents by Scottish soldiers. I also remember a story of a Higland soldier visiting a European monarch and having his kilt lifted by the king! I think that is in Baynes & Laffin's "Soldiers of Scotland"; I'll have a look when I get home this evening.

Cheers,

Todd