To put the black hose matter into context - the first I heard this mentioned was from my grandfather who was a kilt wearer even prior to entering military service during the Second World War and this was advice passed down from his father.

Now it wasn't just from this side of the family. From both my mother and father's sides this piece of advice (amongst many others) was passed on and my family was from all over - Arran, Angus, the Lothians, Dumfriesshire, Fife, the Borders, Inverness-shire.

My family are from working class and upper middle class with the merging being so scandalous, even more so than my great-grandfather being a (not so) former priest, that my mother's branch dropped the name Falconer and took the name Little.

Also, I have heard this advice regarding black hose from sources other than my own family so I can surmise that it wasn't limited to one family or one locale or one class nor was it a recent affectation.

Personally, I wouldn't take a wedding guide as gospel - it is an industry notorious for being subject to the whims of quick-changing fashion.

Please note - I did say previously that it depends on the people and gave an example of a wedding that I attended where the groom was wearing black hose. However, I can think of less than a handful of times that I saw someone in black hose and every time it was noted by others.

As for funerals, not everyone has black hose, never mind highland dress so they may not necessarily be wearing them.

Now my advice on hose is just that - advice. Take it or leave it. But please be aware that it was given without any mischievous or mendacious intent. It was given in the spirit of camaraderie.