The original article from the Tartan Herald included a side bar clarifying that most Scottish kiltmakers had no issue with the fact that inexpensive, ready-made, off the peg kilts were being offered. And really not even with the fact that they were made in Pakistan. They admit that there is a place in the market for such an item -- for children, for those looking for a "costume peice" or simply for those who cannot afford a kilt otherwise.

Their criticism has more to do with the labelling of the product leading people with the impression that these are genuine Highland kilts. The labels, which the original article pictured (and which I've seen many times at Highland Games in the US) display the words "Scottish Highland Kilt, authentic woven tartan, designed in Scotland."

The problem is that all of this is technically true. Yes, the kilt is a Scottish Highland garment. Yes, the tartan cloth is really woven (doesn't say of what material). And yes, the kilt was "designed" in Scotland. But there is nothing there to say that it is actually woven from a cheap acrylic, or that this kilt was imported in from Pakistan.

In other words, those who purchase such items can easily be misled into thinking that this is the real Scottish deal. Those of us familiar with kilts can sit back and say, "Well, what do these people expect? A kilt for only twenty pounds? Cant' they tell from the material and construction that this must be a cheap import?"

Well, no. Most people are not familiar with authentic kilts up close and personal and have no experience with this. It is easy to imagine the visitor to Scotland seeing these "kilts" and assuming that this must be what all the fuss is about. And those who care about maintaining Scotland's reputation and traditions don't want these products associated with the skill and craftsmanship of Scotland's weavers and tailors.

That's really the crix of this issue.

I thought the article was a good one, and made some very valid points. I think if any Royal Mile merchants are offended by it, it might be because it hit a little close to home.

Matt