Would you wear a casual kilt to Scottish Games?

**Colin** · 9th March 05, 10:13 AM

I have worn my casual to the local games the past two years, and I will ear one again this year. Our local games are the last week of June, and are usually 30-35 degrees C. Too hot for a traditional

**Graham** · 9th March 05, 02:57 PM

Hamish, England needs more lads like you to facilitate this much needed revolution in the wider acceptance of casual kilts.

I promise to do my bit when I (God willing) get to the UK.
I plan to take four kilts, only one of which will be wool, the others are Poly Vis.

**erudite** · 9th March 05, 07:58 PM

If you look at my profile you will see a very proud dad with two very cool cubs who are all wearing matching SK's, on the day they arrived. We immediatley donned our kilts, and unsure of what was proper footware went without. I have since upgraded to a USAK which I am proud to wear, it's wool, a little rough but looks great. My first choice. (pix to follow) I have not upgraded the boys, but am pleased that my 6 yr. old, the elder, has on more than one occassion asked me to buy him another kilt. They both want me to take out their kilts when I wear mine. I think that taking them to the scottish games in fair hill MD, where they could see many others in kilts would only reinforce their already positive attitude. Thanks all for the positive comments, and advice. We'll be kilted at Fair Hill, albeit in a USAK Grey Stewart and two wee SK Black Watches.

Les

**erudite** · 9th March 05, 08:02 PM

Thanks for the link back to our roots. Thanks too to Jimmy who advised me a year ago not to wear Blackwatch on St. Patricks day.

**Verlyn** · 9th March 05, 08:39 PM

Um Les, are we somehow related? My wife and I just looked at your picture and I would swear that was a picture of my boys about 12 years ago (but non of us had kilts then). I mean right down to the hair style, expressions and size.

**James** · 10th March 05, 01:50 AM

It is a problem, more so when things are changing so fast and new style kilts appearing.

Some years ago I used to help man the clan tent at various gatherings/games; and without doubt the tartan question was taken seriously. People being welcomed and known by their tartans, so it was not just a question of wearing it well, it was also a case of wearing the right tartan.

A tweed jacket event by the way.

Such things being seen as good manners and respect for the occasion.

Today whilst no longer taking an active part, when attending such an event I'd make sure I conformed to the accepted norms-for the reasons mentioned above. Aslo seeing such things as an occasion when a bit of effort enhances the day.

Very different to my day to day kilt wearing-hillwalker and side sporran etc.

However I am of a generation which made a clear distinction between an occasion and casual day to day living. Too I cannot comment upon the American norms for such events: so what might be seen as right for a UK gathering/games, might appear as petty ostentation in America.

This leads to another point: happy as I am with my regular kilts, I've never seen the need to buy say a Utilikit: buit having said that such a garment seems a good and sensible idea. However it is far distanced from any links to a Highland heritage: the only relationship being that it, like the regular kilt is not trousers.

So when looking to a highland games/gathering, is one looking to that heritage and seeking to reasonably conform with it's norms and traditions: in which case a traditional kilt might be more appropriate. Or attending as one might say a football match, when comfort be that trousers or new style kilt is a matter of personal choice.

There is also a fascinating sociological aspect: for some would see such events as reinforcing their own identity and family roots-thus relevant to their very being: and I for one would not want to trample upon people for whom the right tartan and way of dress is of vital importance. Whilst others see them much more in the way of enactment, when their wearing of a kilt-any kilt, is a sign of a their support for and participation in the event.

Sorry to have rambled on, but it is an interesting topic.

James

**phil h** · 10th March 05, 08:27 AM

one thing to remember that here in Canada it can be 30oC and very humid, I would die in a tank.
most of the games are held in the summer.thta's why I wear the 4 yard bear kilt.

**Colin** · 10th March 05, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by phil h

one thing to remember that here in Canada it can be 30oC and very humid, I would die in a tank.
most of the games are held in the summer.thta's why I wear the 4 yard bear kilt.

Couldn't agree more Phil.

**Vince** · 10th March 05, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Erudite

or should I rent a traditional one for the occassion? I have a USA Kilt, but I think it might bring me a lot of grief. Any thoughts?

I have been to quite a few games and see no problem with wearing a casual kilt. There has been a growing trend to seeing more and more casual kilts at these events. My own opinion is that I rather see a casual kilt worn properly with pride than a poorly worn traditional kilt.

As a rule, I wear my traditional kilt because the tartan is readily recognized at the SAMS booth.

**Kiltbear** · 10th March 05, 02:13 PM

I wore a leather kilt to the Lochcarron Games last year. No untoward comments were received but 3 women did take my pic. (Self delusional mode on)Then again it might have been cos I'm a gorgeous hunk. The proverbial sex on legs(Self delusional mode off)