English wearing trews (Question to the scots)

[mikejggilli]

Hi Everyone,
I'm English and so are my parents, but my mum's Step dad is Scottish. Because I see that he has done a lot to help my mum, her sister and my nan (his wife) I want to honour him by wearing his tartan, even though no one in his family wears it.
My Aunt (Mum's half sister) is getting married in England and I'd like to wear Trews and a kilt jacket, as my dad has said it'd be really offensive I'm steering clear of Kilt.
I'd like to ask any scots, would you think I was stealing or embrasing your heritage? Would it be out of place to wear it in England?
Chances are it'll be only me and my Great uncle in tartan.
Cheers

[cessna152towser]

I can't see a problem with wearing tartan trews.
They are quite popular here in the south of Scotland where the kilt has never been a traditional garment.
Nor can I see how wearing tartan would be seen as stealing Scottish heritage as you have a family connection through your step-grandfather whose tartan you would be wearing.

[Jock Scot]

Good question! As a Highlander I have no real knowledge how Lowland Scots view others outwith Scotland wearing tartan trews. I suspect like the kilt some are more bothered about these things than others. However, your father's reaction over the kilt does give us a clue! Any chance of further discreet questions within the family? Better still, ask him straight out? I know you are trying to do a nice thing for mum's step father, but------------------.

[mikejggilli]

Good question! As a Highlander I have no real knowledge how Lowland Scots view others outwith Scotland wearing tartan trews. I suspect like the kilt some are more bothered about these things than others. However, your father's reaction does give us a clue! Any chance of further discreet questions within the family? Better still, ask your father straight out? I know you are trying to do a nice thing for him, but------------------.

Hi Jock Scot,
My dad is English and has no link to scotland.
It's my Mums step-dad I'm wanting to honour, he's fine with it and my mum really likes the idea
Cheers

[Jock Scot]

Sorry about that. i have corrected my first post. Well if every one is happy that tartan trews will be worn then go ahead. However it seems, Dad may have other ideas, so ask him? As you have already found out, people do have very strong feelings over these matters and should not be under estimated

[Tarheel]

The gent in question seems to get admiration from many in your family. That said, trews (in his tartan) would be a good touch of homage on your part.

An issue with many families is; does the wife marry the groom's family or does the groom join the bride's family? I belong to my wife's family, without losing my heritage or identity. My folks (blood relatives) seem to understand and accept this of me. The current wife also understands that I am an allegiant of the last wife's family (an ancient Japanese house).

Talking to your dad would clear things for you both, if you can talk with (instead of to) each other.

By the way, welcome and well met from Oxford, MS. USA

[mikejggilli]

Thanks guys,
I've always thought a wedding is a bit of both, the bride is welcomed into the grooms family and vice versa.
I don't think my dad would be happy no matter what. He and my mum split a few years and it has been less than friendly and he doesn't seem to like it whenever my mum's family is mentioned, saying I "have a good enough [sur]name as it is".
I was just wanting to check I wasn't causing offence to any scots.

[Lady Grey]

Ignore your father and get together with your great uncle and plan your outfits.... (But check with the bride)
I would prefer a kilt to trews (but that's only my preference)
It seems doubtful you dad will even be at the wedding so why even bother with his opinion?
I think honouring your step -grandad is a beautiful gesture so do what's right for honouring him.

[mikejggilli]

It's OK now,
My aunt just asked me to be an usher, and asked if I'd like to wear tartan. the other ushers, and my Granddad will be wearing white tie and tails, so she suggested I wear the same but with trews (Which I know is unconventional)... so I think it ends it :P Thanks for your help
I'll take another jacket for the evening do :P
Also my mum's boyfriend (scottish) is wearing trews

[mclaughlan]

Hey,

I am Scottish and play in a pipe band. There are pipe bands from all over the world playing our national instrument, and more importantly, donning our national attire. Far from being offensive, this is widely seen as respectful and I'm sure the majority of Scots share this opinion. Wear what you want, just be sure to wear it properly; there is no issue with this.

Kind Regards,
William