How can I avoid looking like a tourist in a kilt?

**CelticRogue** · 14th July 04, 05:23 PM

This is directed to all our native Scotsmen members: I will be in Scotland with my bride for the first time in less than a month to celebrate our 20th anniversary. I don't want to look like a "tourist in a kilt" the first time I leave the hotel in my kilt. What are some of the mistakes you gentlemen have seen when looking at an 'visitor' wearing a kilt?

**Graham** · 14th July 04, 06:56 PM

I'm not a Scot, but you might like to read the thoughts posted here
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1210

If it were me, I would "be myself" wera the kilt respectfully and freely.

I tried to avoid looking like a tourist when i went to USA, I failed, it might have been the Akubra hat

**GMan** · 14th July 04, 07:03 PM

I too am not a Scot but the other day I ran into a Scot from Inverness, he said I looked good. I was wearing my Bear Maple Leaf a polo shirt, hiking socks and Nike's. He said that I looked great. I agree with Graham, just be yourself and do not sweat the small stuff.

**phil h** · 14th July 04, 07:12 PM

you got it gman.
if you are a tourist why not look like one.
don't try and be something you are not, you are what you are, be proud of it, don't worry too much what they think, I'm sure you will be fine.
show them that the Americans can look just as good in a KILT, wear it proud, and good luck.

**Vince** · 14th July 04, 08:31 PM

Hate to be a 'me too' poster, but I will have to agree with Phil. OK, so I'm not a native Scot.

Don't worry. I am confident that they can 'spot the tourist' regardless of what you wear. Just wear your kilt with taste and confidence and I'm sure that will make a better impression than sweating all the 'rules'.

Oh, the advice part. Hmm. Oh yeah. Don't wear fishnet hose with a leather mini-kilt.

Don't worry, have fun.

**Freelander Sporrano** · 14th July 04, 08:53 PM

I've met Scots while in "Duncan mode"minus leather jacket.They asked me if I was Scottish.They also said I wore the kilt well so as to your question about not wanting to look like a tourist.Be your self

Carry all your camera gear around in a Tesco carrier bag. Cameras are a big give-away.

**Colin** · 15th July 04, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by Freelander

Carry all your camera gear around in a Tesco carrier bag. Cameras are a big give-away.

I would agree with carrying your gear in a Tesco (a supermarket in the UK for those that are unfamiliar with the name)bag too. The 15lbs of camera gear is always a dead give away.

**Graham** · 15th July 04, 03:53 PM

Why not enjoy being a tourist, if you are one.
When I was in England and Ireland last year I looked like an Australian tourist, (before my full time kilt wearing days began). I met people who wanted to talk to me about Australia and that led to wonderful friends being made.

As I said before, be yourself!

**Hamish** · 15th July 04, 04:05 PM

As everyone else says, "Be yourself". The Tesco carrier bag is a good idea, although I (a native) always take my camera bag when out for a day!

Above all - leave the headgear (Glengarries, Balmorals, etc.) at home! Americans have a passion for them - I think you feel 'undressed' without one! - but you'll really only see them being worn in Scotland by a few officials at Highland Gatherings, and by members of pipe bands (when they are playing!!).

You'll have a fantastic time in Scotland, I know it.