What did a kilt cost in 1960, 1970, 1980 etc?

[McClef]

I would like to see the offerings of certain Edinburgh tat shops last as long!

[English Bloke]

I would like to see the offerings of certain Edinburgh tat shops last as long!

Believe me Trefor... They don't!

[English Bloke]

... When I first went to Scotland in 1982 there were a couple of shops in Dunoon that were advertising a complete dress kilt outfit for something like 350 - 395 pounds. ...

... In real terms that $700 would have been about half a month's take home pay for a junior NCO in the Navy in the early '80's. My situation has changed considerably since then and it would cost me much less than half a month's pay to buy the same outfit today.

In 1982 I was earning £1.33 an hour giving me a gross of £30 for a 40 hour week. I was taking home about £21 a week, after taxes. Unemployement in Britain was over 3 million and in my region was about 15%. I was lucky to have a job at all and we took what we could get (anyone remember "Boys from the Blackstuff " ?... "Gizza Job Mr? I can do that"

In terms of pay and currency comparisons my wage was $210 gross / $147 net, per month on a $1.75 to £1 basis which was about the average for 1982 I'm told by Google. I remember begging the comany for overtime all the time and people asked me then and now WHY I joined up? One reason was I doubled my money overnight giving me £240 / $420 a month. I did have to sign up for 9 flamin' years with the colours to get the extra bonus to make it that much though.

That'll be why it took me so long to get into kilts then!

My situation has changed quite a bit too I'm pleased to say and I am fortunate now that I can enjoy the luxury of two beautiful wool kilts. I could not have afforded them at that time although it must be said, I still have to save for them now.