Highlanders Discuss Highland Attire

[Deil the Yin]

...but as an American in the Highlands it is expected that you chaps will get it wrong! LOL

My only question is whether this is simply the thinly veiled contempt for Americans that one not infrequently encounters among Brits (I've certainly encountered it more than I'd care to), or are you speaking from personal experience by which you could site some examples? Or what's the give-away in knowing the difference between a Scot who's got it wrong and just an American?

Just curious.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Or what's the give-away in knowing the difference between a Scot who's got it wrong and just an American?

Just curious.

Two words come to mind: Attitude and accent. Make of it what you will. I have an "American Accent" and have never experienced the "thinly veiled contempt" to which you refer.

[gordontaos]

I agree with Macmillan about attitude and accent.
I moved from New York City to Dawson County, in the mountains of north Georgia, in the early 1980's. I was probably the only Yankee living in the county. However, even though I had been warned by many other Georgians about the dangers of me living in that county, I was only met with kindness and grace. Other "immigrants" were not as fortunate.
I then moved to a rural county in northern New Mexico, where as an "Anglo" I am in the minority. Again I have only been met by kindness and grace by the other two dominant cultures (Spanish and Indian).
I can only believe that the reason is attitude and accent. The attitude part can be readily understood by the reader. The accent part is a little more difficult. Everyone knows that I am not from here. I do not attempt to parody the local's speech, but I do attempt to pronounce names and places as the locals do. It goes a long long way.

[Jock Scot]

My only question is whether this is simply the thinly veiled contempt for Americans that one not infrequently encounters among Brits (I've certainly encountered it more than I'd care to), or are you speaking from personal experience by which you could site some examples? Or what's the give-away in knowing the difference between a Scot who's got it wrong and just an American?

Just curious.

I am genuinely sorry that you have felt that I have implied any contempt for Americans. As a nation, generally speaking, I hold America and Americans in high regard, perfect they are not, who is? I have met many many Americans and have enjoyed their company very much.Many of them have slept under my roof and dined with my family. They have a refreshing view on life, although an ability to laugh at themselves is deeply hidden,but when found, it is great to see! Almost to a man(women too)they come with a romantic idea of Scotland and baring that in mind it is hardly surprising that whilst they are desperately trying to fit in, they actually get it wrong.Like the fellow who insisted going stalking in his expensive handmade kilt and by the end of the day he had an expensive heap of rags and hypothermia.

Highland Scots, generally speaking, don't get it wrong when the chips are down.The kilt wearing knowledge abounds up here and there is usually someone not far away to advise. This is not meant to be offensive, or, controversial, but GENERALLY speaking the lowland Scots can on occasion get things wrong in the kilt wearing world, simply because the kilt tradition is not so deep. Not only that the hire companies do, I am afraid, lead people astray and that sad and all too common fact alone, knows no national boundary.

[Redshank]

Very well put Jock, I fully agree.

[Deil the Yin]

I am genuinely sorry that you have felt that I have implied any contempt for Americans. As a nation, generally speaking, I hold America and Americans in high regard, perfect they are not, who is? I have met many many Americans and have enjoyed their company very much.Many of them have slept under my roof and dined with my family. They have a refreshing view on life, although an ability to laugh at themselves is deeply hidden,but when found, it is great to see! Almost to a man(women too)they come with a romantic idea of Scotland and baring that in mind it is hardly surprising that whilst they are desperately trying to fit in, they actually get it wrong.Like the fellow who insisted going stalking in his expensive handmade kilt and by the end of the day he had an expensive heap of rags and hypothermia.

Highland Scots, generally speaking, don't get it wrong when the chips are down.The kilt wearing knowledge abounds up here and there is usually someone not far away to advise. This is not meant to be offensive, or, controversial, but GENERALLY speaking the lowland Scots can on occasion get things wrong in the kilt wearing world, simply because the kilt tradition is not so deep. Not only that the hire companies do, I am afraid, lead people astray and that sad and all too common fact alone, knows no national boundary.

I appreciate your candour.