Bizarre anti kilt rant

[Mike_Oettle]

The writer’s opinion on kilts is much in line with that of a colleague of mine, born in Glasgow, now semi-retired.
He has expressed mild interest in the various Glasgow-related tartans I have shown him. But just recently he came up to me and asked whether I was really entitled to wear the kilt.
I said certainly – through my regiment and through my ancestry.
He expressed his doubts.
His wife is of Scottish descent, and I informed his daughter that she was entitled to wear the Edinburgh District tartan. His response was that he would not allow it in his house!
He was a bit mollified when I learnt that her family did in fact have a tartan of its own.
But I doubt that I will see him, his wife or his daughter in tartan any time soon.
Regards,
Mike

[Father Bill]

Well, sorry to seem so critical, but I rather thought that what seemed to me to be a humourous rant could handle what was intended as a humourous tongue in cheek response. No real attack was or is intended and I certainly wouldn't want to injure.

Apologies!

[tpa]

I think he secretly likes the kilt and attention he gets in it. He just does want the attention diluted by anyone else wearing one.

[GHenry]

Hey all,

I'm the author of the piece - which, incidentally, was the internet version of a men's page column that is printed in our paper every Tuesday.

One of this forum's users directed me to this thread, and it's been an interesting read...no offense taken, since I wasn't ever likely to find many fans of an anti-kilt piece on a Scottish kilt website(!)

I stand by the (mostly light-hearted) points I made in the article. A couple of things I'd point out though...

* I do have a kilt of my own - Gordon tartan given to me on my 18th. I would accept the comparison to a rent-a-tux relationship, however.
* I'm afraid I've spent only three years of my 26 out of Scotland, so not sure if I qualify as a Welsh 'native' quite yet...
* I absolutely believe that it is a very uncomfortable and awkward outfit, as a whole, to wear...but friends of mine believe the opposite.
* I'd admit I don't wear it very often, so my discomfort may be heightened a bit when I do have to don it...

Anyway, I'm happy that many of my countrymen wear it and I'll let them have the limelight with it!

All the best, G.

[Sammac]

Perhaps if the author has always rented(hired) his kilt, is it possible that the fit is not quite as comfortable as a made to measure kilt? Or do some kilt hire places use kilts made from outside Scotland, like Pakistan or someplace else that may use wool that is a bit coarser?

[Cowher]

Hey all,

I'm the author of the piece - which, incidentally, was the internet version of a men's page column that is printed in our paper every Tuesday.

One of this forum's users directed me to this thread, and it's been an interesting read...no offense taken, since I wasn't ever likely to find many fans of an anti-kilt piece on a Scottish kilt website(!)

I stand by the (mostly light-hearted) points I made in the article. A couple of things I'd point out though...

* I do have a kilt of my own - Gordon tartan given to me on my 18th. I would accept the comparison to a rent-a-tux relationship, however.
* I'm afraid I've spent only three years of my 26 out of Scotland, so not sure if I qualify as a Welsh 'native' quite yet...
* I absolutely believe that it is a very uncomfortable and awkward outfit, as a whole, to wear...but friends of mine believe the opposite.
* I'd admit I don't wear it very often, so my discomfort may be heightened a bit when I do have to don it...

Anyway, I'm happy that many of my countrymen wear it and I'll let them have the limelight with it!

All the best, G.

If this was the author of this article he seems to be coming from a honest place. I have to wear a suit three times a week. I don't enjoy it. But you find many people who love to wear a suit. I don't get it. But if someone doesn't love to wear kilts then that's their choice. Wile I don't understand the author I do agree with much of what he says.
I'm a chubby 28 year old with a double chin. I use to get the ladies but I definitely don't turn heads now. But with a kilt on all of a sudden cute ladies are winking at me and talking to me. I'm married so it's a bit of a useless point but it make me feel good.
I think everyone has the right to choose to be kilted or not.

[English Bloke]

... Hey all, I'm the author of the piece - ...

Hehehehehe, that's tremendous!

G. I realise you're probably only passing through but welcome anyway.

[Father Bill]

Glad to hear that as you've said, you were light-hearted in your story, and hope you know that we were similar in our comments - at least speaking for myself!

Good on ya' for both writing, for reading, and for speaking up! Well done, lad!

[Mike_Oettle]

Well, GHenry, thanks for your candour.
It does seem as if you might have difficulties fitting into your inherited kilt.
Perhaps it’s time to get yourself one made to measure.
Since you’re in Wales, you might like to experiment with a Welsh tartan. But a Scottish tartan would be just as appropriate.
And have a look around here – there are all sorts of ways to wear the kilt.
The sporran is compulsory for men (but it can be a plain leather pouch). However the rest of the outfit is optional.
Perhaps the X Marks experience will give you a different outlook on tartan (wool or other materials).
Regards,
Mike