Irish Kilt?

[Phil]

While the origins of the Irish kilt are historically rooted in the romantic imaginary of the Gaelic revival, I assure you that hypenated-Irish culture abroad is not a figment of your -- or their -- imagination. No more, anyway, than Lowlanders embracing the Highland kilt. Correct me if I'm mistaken, but they have little more history of such than the Irish

Unfortunately the link you provided requires a password but I do appreciate where you are coming from - namely the legitimacy of anyone outwith a small, prescribed area of Scotland wearing a kilt. Presumably the article does not differentiate between actual residents of 'The Highlands' and those who have relocated to other, less favoured, areas of Scotland, such as the Lowlands for example.

Don't get me wrong; I have no misgivings towards anyone who would like to wear the kilt

These are my sentiments entirely. I couldn't agree more but the impression that I have gleaned, however, is not to do with the validity or otherwise of those who choose to wear the kilt but rather that those who assume anyone wearing a kilt must be Irish. This is obviously something deeply-rooted in the mind of many such people. I wonder, perhaps, if it relates to the general misconception found by the British abroad that their country (Great Britain) is regarded by others as consisting of just two countries - England and Ireland. When asked the question on numerous occasions while in America "Are you from England?",no doubt after overhearing my speech, my response "No. Scotland actually" invariably elicits a puzzled look of incomprehension. I am assuming that such individuals do realise that kilts are not an English form of dress so must belong to that other place over there. What's it called? Oh yes - Ireland!