Tartan MIS-identification?

[cessna152towser]

my airport issues are usually with American ladies who get a little too friendly

I think its a culture thing, that many American ladies are brought up to be much more outgoing and friendly than us dour Scots. A kilt attracts them like a magnet. While sitting alone in a near empty motorway service station waiting for Ann to return to the table a middle aged American lady came over and sat right at my shoulder. Politely I said would you like to sit at this table and when she replied with a very enthusiastic "Yeah", I moved to the next table. No offence intended to the lady; I just wanted a bit of defensive space for Ann and I, but she certainly took offence. That lady didn't half glower and stare at us while we drank our coffee. If looks could kill. I think yours was probably the same and intended to strike up a friendly conversation and felt rebuffed when you said you were not of her clan and so went on the offensive. I tend to be more shy and would never identify a stranger's tartan as a conversation starter unless I was really confident that I knew the tartan and that I saw some hint of initial welcome from the stranger, such as a smile.