Quote Originally Posted by episcopalscot
Bear,

Please don't think I was suggesting the Ulster Tartan v. the Irish National Tartan on the basis of politics. On the contrary; I recommended the Ulster tartan because Al said his relatives were from Northern Ireland, and the Ulster Tartan has such a unique history (a 300 year-old tartan, found in a bog, one of the few pre-Culloden tartans around, etc.) The Irish National is a fine tartan, but the Ulster has a great story to go along with it, and is an "authentic" ancient tartan in every sense of the world.

Cheers,

T.
I wasn't intentionally singling anyone out, episcopalscot.
There have been several threads in which people have been warned that wearing their tartans in particular places could lead to trouble.
I just think it's silly to say one can wear this tartan but not in this place, or it might be dangerous if you wear that tartan in that place.
We are supposed to be the rational creatures of this planet and we still cling to colours to tell us who we are and what our status is, just like a peacock.
It's as foolish as Bloods and Crips killing each other for wearing the wrong colour bandana in the wrong neighbourhood.
I like the colours of the Irish National Tartan and the Ulster Red. As I can get the Ulster Red in town, I would choose that for myself. The Irish National tartan (wool) is copyrighted by one weaver and I don't like their price.
Marton Mills in England, where I (and now some other kiltmakers) get poly/viscose tartans, won't make it because of the copyright. I respect that decision. It shows Marton Mills' honesty.