Kilt Etiquette

[David Thorpe]

What I am trying to say is that the average Scotsman will know quite well the tartans that are associated with him, his family, his environment and his own history.

And, IMHO, therein lies the rub. People of the clan who's tartan is being worn will likely recognize it and be curious about the (assumed) kinsman who they have not yet met wearing it. An innocent and friendly inquiry could very likely ensue. It would be good to have an answer for such a question which shows respect for the tartan and to those who hold it in high regard.

There are hundreds of tartans not associated with a specific clan in virtually every color combination imaginable from which to choose, as well as tartans that, while having a connection to a clan, are considered to be "universal". Black Watch and Royal Stewart are two which fit this category.

[flairball]

Where what you like. A kilt is just a garment, and tartan just a design. Besides, this is a free country. There are no tartan police, and there is even a sticky to let everyone know this. There are no more clans, only clan societies. No one is going to recognize the tartan and ask you if you're their long lost cousin, or expect an explanation. Is it nice to have a kilt to which you have a connection? Yes. Is it nessecary? No.

You should, however, be prepared for lots of questions like; Are you Scottish?, Do you play the bagpipes?, Are you Irish?(?), What are you wearing underneath your kilt?.

[David Thorpe]

Where [sic] what you like. A kilt is just a garment, and tartan just a design.

To you. Others feel much differently.

There are no more clans, only clan societies.

Not true at all. The clans are far different than they were 300 years ago, to be sure, but the Standing Council of Chiefs should be evidence enough that clans, at least in the hearts and minds of many people are alive and well in their present form.

No one is going to recognize the tartan and ask you if you're their long lost cousin, or expect an explanation.

Again, not true at all. It has evidently not happened to you. That does not qualify a statement implied to be universal.

I fully understand that many people have little or no regard or respect for the clans and their tartans. I accept this as an unfortunate, sad fact over which neither I nor anyone else has any control. That will not, however, stop me from voicing my sentiments on the matter whenever such a cavalier attitude is stated - especially in the context of a reply to a question from someone seeking honest advice.

[tundramanq]

My first USAK Casual was in the X MarkstheScot tartan. Is it considered a fashion or clan tartan - think about it - we are about as close here as many clan affiliations?

[MacRobert's Reply]

I would take David Thorpe's well-informed advice. If you wear a clan tartan, at least in Scotland, you will very likely have members of that clan introducing themselves to you because they recognise 'their' tartan. Being a fellow clan member or having a good story to account for wearing a particular clan tartan is good practice and demonstrates that you respect Scottish culture and sensitivities.

Last year at a kilted wedding one of the guests wearing the hunting tartan immediately recognised my clan tartan and introduced himself. Standing outside a Glasgow hotel on my way to a reception I was approached by two Canadians and someone from the US who recognised 'their' tartan and introduced themselves as fellow clansmen and women. In my experience this is a fairly common phenomenon.

[flairball]

To you. Others feel much differently.



Not true at all. The clans are far different than they were 300 years ago, to be sure, but the Standing Council of Chiefs should be evidence enough that clans, at least in the hearts and minds of many people are alive and well in their present form.



Again, not true at all. It has evidently not happened to you. That does not qualify a statement implied to be universal.

I fully understand that many people have little or no regard or respect for the clans and their tartans. I accept this as an unfortunate, sad fact over which neither I nor anyone else has any control. That will not, however, stop me from voicing my sentiments on the matter whenever such a cavalier attitude is stated - especially in the context of a reply to a question from someone seeking honest advice.

David, thank you for pointing out my where/wear mistake. It's early, and I've been running on low coffee.

As to the rest of your points, meh. Xmarks is a different, and I dare say special place. There is a wealth of knowledge, and trivia spread here. However, a kilt is just a garment, and tartan a design, no matter what passion, nostalgia, or superstition one ascribes to "their" kilt & tartan. The OP may wear whatever tartan he pleases, and needs no more reason than he likes the design.

Like I said, there are no tartan police, but sometimes I think there are people who wish there were.

Voice your "opinion" all you want, but don't dare suggest I shouldn't express mine.

[madmacs]

I can honestly say that I never had anyone discuss the tartan of the kilt I was wearing it Scotland (maybe the British are just a little more reserved)

In the US however... Quite the opposite, including accusing my maclean of being royal stewart...

If you like it wear it... But have the courtesy to know a little about it...

As for stillwater... A stillwater standard came into my hands recently, and I would say I'm impressed with what you get for the price... And it's washable... Does it compare to a £600 wool kilt? I'd say about 75%... Haven't seen the wool, but I'd guess the quality if as good as the acrylic... Long term might differ though... But you only wanted a short term fix didnt you?

[TheOfficialBren]

To you. Others feel much differently.



Not true at all. The clans are far different than they were 300 years ago, to be sure, but the Standing Council of Chiefs should be evidence enough that clans, at least in the hearts and minds of many people are alive and well in their present form.



Again, not true at all. It has evidently not happened to you. That does not qualify a statement implied to be universal.

I fully understand that many people have little or no regard or respect for the clans and their tartans. I accept this as an unfortunate, sad fact over which neither I nor anyone else has any control. That will not, however, stop me from voicing my sentiments on the matter whenever such a cavalier attitude is stated - especially in the context of a reply to a question from someone seeking honest advice.

+***!!!

[Jock Scot]

[QUOTE=flairball;1148635]Where what you like. A kilt is just a garment, and tartan just a design. Besides, this is a free country. There are no tartan police, and there is even a sticky to let everyone know this. There are no more clans, only clan societies. No one is going to recognize the tartan and ask you if you're their long lost cousin, or expect an explanation. Is it nice to have a kilt to which you have a connection? Yes. Is it nessecary? No.

You should, however, be prepared for lots of questions like;


Valid points of view from your angle and no doubt for many non Scots points of view too. However on some points, some Scots will differ and differ rather strongly. ---------------Just so you know.

[Father Bill]

Valid points of view from your angle and no doubt for many non Scots points of view too. However on some points, some Scots will differ and differ rather strongly. ---------------Just so you know.

And a few outside of Scotland as well. If you throw your lot in with your clan... stick with them!