As a schoolboy wearing the kilt in the late 40s early 50s, it was really just what one wore, and not of great interest. Not so good for climbing trees or riding a bike: in fact it was more interesting to move from a kilted prep school to a trousered public one-if there was any interest in what one wore.

This is the root of some very different thinking to that of many today: in that I see the kilt as a normal part of my wardrobe, and the choice of wearing it is no more than which shirt. For there have never been barriers to break down. On the other hand I possibly place more importance upon the entitlement to wear this or that tartan than some. Too I find it quite hard to see some of the modern garments that are called a kilt, as in fact being a kilt.

So my problem is not about being able to wear a kilt, rather in accepting some of the modern variants. Please note that I said 'my problem': for it is not my intention to be prescriptive in any way.

To enlarge upon the above, I once was witness to blazing argument when someone wanted to recite Burns at a gathering: on the grounds that Burns was nothing at all to do with a highland clan!

James