Yes, I had thought to start the exact same thread topic addressed to the same group, based on the same prior discussions about Rocky's new tweed kilt suit. After reading Jock's comments about the tweed suit, a copy of the recommended "All About Your Kilt" (an American book) arrived, with a photo on the back cover with several of Queen Victoria's Ghillies wearing tweed kilts, and the late William H. Johnstone wearing a kilt suit of his estate tweed (p. 24). I don't mean to contradict, but rather to point out that Americans, even those doing careful research, may turn up idiosyncratic examples of dress, and have difficulty discriminating between those and what is the norm today in the highlands. Take jacket epaulets for example. My own tweed jacket has epaulets, but it was made in the 50s. I don't think I would ask for them were I to buy a jacket today.

I think I would also like to hear a bit from native Scots (and particularly highlanders), about how they experience Americans playing fast and loose with their traditions, which may bear upon their points of view. I recently attended a rather festive four-day celebration in Inverness, dressed in a suit (with clan tie). I felt much more comfortable doing that than making a fool of myself in an inappropriately worn kilt.