However is still does seem to me that there is a strikingly high percentage of bearded kilties.
Well, yes, that is indeed interesting, and I've noticed it as well. It could very well be that there is some common sociological thread between being a kiltie and a beardo (lol at that term). Perhaps both are just expressions of individuality, not necessarily related to one another, but readily enough manifested that they appear to be common ground.

By "expressions of individuality", I suppose I mean that the type of man who wears a beard is probably comfortable enough in his persona that he is willing to go against modern fashion and allow his face to more uniquely reflect who he is. And that very trait of being able to ignore herd trends, which is usually accompanied by at least some degree of comment from detractors, allows him to get past the first step of kilt wearing. There are undoubtedly many men out there who would like to wear the kilt, but just can't get up the self-confidence to "put on a skirt". But guys who wear beards already have the self-confidence needed.

Maybe, I dunno. Just a thought.