Quote Originally Posted by Father Bill View Post
You know . . . an interesting and nascent train of thought just struck me: Why is it frowned on by some to wear the kilt outwith the highlands, but Scotch whisky is universally acclaimed by the same highlanders as something they're proud to share? Should I be drinking only rye?
int:
I share the same sentiment. It seems that wherever Scottish people immigrated to (and they went all over the globe), they took certain traditions with them. The love for tartan and the kilt is just one of them. Making whisky, playing the fiddle, in some cases, even speaking the Gaelic language, are just a few of the many traditions and aspects of their culture that migrated along with the people. Would anyone suggest that Highland dancing must only be performed in the Highlands? Or that Auld Lang Syne should only be sung in Ayrshire?

No, those things seem ridiculous to anyone. So why limit the wearing of Highland dress to those either born in, or currently living in the Highlands?

Furthermore, were that the case, the Scots Highlanders long ago would have ceased having any place to buy their tartans and kilts, as the tartan mills would have all shut down for lack of business!