American tourists in Scotland

[seanachie]

from my perspective, if the tourist chooses to wear a kilt when on holiday in Scotland, he should wear an 8 yard wool kilt with knife pleats, coloured hose worn with flashes, a day sporran, shirt, and fleece or other comfy jacket, not a pc, tweed jacket would be best, leave the ghillie brofgues at home, he should relax and enjoy himself, he should wear the kilt as if he has worn nothing but the kilt, and he will fit in just fine.
No animosity will be shown, he will be made to feel very welcome.

What would be the reaction to a nice kilt but box pleated instead of knife pleated? I can't think of a good analogy but, some people hate double breasted jackets and others really like them. I am just trying to understand the Scotch perspective. Is is "not my cup of tea" or a more visceral reaction? My knowledge is cursory but I have read a few threads which seem to point out there is great tradition to the box pleat.

What is the reaction to more modern kilts? I mean, there are some rather nice modern kilts that aren't tat. Using the example of the manual trades like brick layers and the like. I have seen some of these guys wearing kilts like Utilikilts and the like with boots. Given the nature of the work, it makes total sense to me. I don't percieve it as an insult to the wondrous craftsment of Scotland that make hand made, hand sewn kilts. But from a Scotch perspective might it be viewed that way?

Let me make clear I am interested in learning and have no formed opinions, just wanting to understand a different perspective.

[Redshank]

What would be the reaction to a nice kilt but box pleated instead of knife pleated? I can't think of a good analogy but, some people hate double breasted jackets and others really like them. I am just trying to understand the Scotch perspective. Is is "not my cup of tea" or a more visceral reaction? My knowledge is cursory but I have read a few threads which seem to point out there is great tradition to the box pleat.

What is the reaction to more modern kilts? I mean, there are some rather nice modern kilts that aren't tat. Using the example of the manual trades like brick layers and the like. I have seen some of these guys wearing kilts like Utilikilts and the like with boots. Given the nature of the work, it makes total sense to me. I don't percieve it as an insult to the wondrous craftsment of Scotland that make hand made, hand sewn kilts. But from a Scotch perspective might it be viewed that way?

Let me make clear I am interested in learning and have no formed opinions, just wanting to understand a different perspective.

I won't answer this question, not because I cant, but it's suffice to say anything other than the norm would raise a few eyebrows in the Highlands, I think it would be more accepted in the lowlands.

[Jock Scot]

What would be the reaction to a nice kilt but box pleated instead of knife pleated? I can't think of a good analogy but, some people hate double breasted jackets and others really like them. I am just trying to understand the Scotch perspective. Is is "not my cup of tea" or a more visceral reaction? My knowledge is cursory but I have read a few threads which seem to point out there is great tradition to the box pleat.

What is the reaction to more modern kilts? I mean, there are some rather nice modern kilts that aren't tat. Using the example of the manual trades like brick layers and the like. I have seen some of these guys wearing kilts like Utilikilts and the like with boots. Given the nature of the work, it makes total sense to me. I don't percieve it as an insult to the wondrous craftsment of Scotland that make hand made, hand sewn kilts. But from a Scotch perspective might it be viewed that way?

Let me make clear I am interested in learning and have no formed opinions, just wanting to understand a different perspective.

I don't think Chris will mind me chipping in. Most Scots(99%) would not know a box pleat and would assume, if they even noticed, that it was some new fangled foreign interpretation of what a proper kilt should be. OK we on this site know better, but how many Scots are members here?

I have never yet seen any one in Scotland wear a "modern style" kilt, OK I accept that some do, Alex and P1M for example, but they are exceptions. I would doubt(OK prove me wrong?) if there is a builder in Scotland that wears the kilt of any sort to work. I personally would advise great care in where to wear a modern style of kilt in Scotland, in some places I can almost guarantee reactions ranging from robust ridicule to downright hostility.

[Zardoz]

I promise if I visit Scotland I will wear my cowboy boots, hat and big @ss belt buckle! No chaps or spurs though, those are just for ridin'.

[Jock Scot]

I promise if I visit Scotland I will wear my cowboy boots, hat and big @ss belt buckle! No chaps or spurs though, those are just for ridin'.

Joking apart, it has been known!

[Frank McGrath]

Thanks to all who have responded to my question.

[MacLowlife]

Though he is in danger of having quotes attributed to him that he never even thought ( like Yogi Berra and Groucho) I have read that Ambrose Bierce ( now dead for nearly 100 years) said that the kilt was a garment sometimes worn by Scotsmen in America and by Americans in Scotland.

[Noel Christian Riddell]

I guess I'm a staunch individualist in many ways -though I cannot help but roll my eyes at certain fashions (hip hop clothing makes me throw up in my mouth a bit, the local farmboy redneck 'uniform' frustrates me, neck tattoos? why not just wear a sandwich board which says TRASH?).

Somehow the kilt goes way deeper than fashion or fad. It's a family link. Clan or tribe -you can be whoever an whatever you want to be and yet you're always welcome as part of a large extended family.

But going back to the original question of how are kilted visitors viewed IN SCOTLAND, one must remember where the majority of the world's kiltmakers are located.
And the kilt is not like a piece of Waterford crystal or some Hopi pottery, you can put it on and wear it!

In Scotland or any other place, you're going to stand out in a kilt. Just be ready to back up your choice of clothing by either stating (1.) your clan affiliation or (2.) "I just like it and I don't care what anyone thinks!".

When I was in Scotland I only saw a few old men, a sports teams, pipers, and kiltmakers wearing kilts -and I was in numerous cities and towns. Next time I visit my family's home country I will definitely take my kilt -but I'll be in jeans most of the time (just like at home).

[Tattoo Bradley]

neck tattoos? why not just wear a sandwich board which says TRASH?).

Have you any idea how extremely derogatory and inflammatory this statement is? I realize you're new here. But, it is NEVER a good idea to enter a place you are not completely familiar with and make such an (even if not directly aimed at anyone in particular) attack.

As can clearly be assumed by my offense at your statement I have "neck tattoos." In fact 100% of the surface area of my neck (and underside of my chin, arms, hands, and fingers even) is covered in tattoos. I happen to like tattoos. So my interests and personal choices immediately identify me as trash?

I am completely aware of this all too common and unfortunate perception. As a result I am also completely aware of what an unfair and far too often inaccurate perception this is. My tattoos were not done on a whim and I spent many years of contemplation before attaining my first tattoo, let alone a tattoo on my neck.

I am educated. I am a US Army and US Air Force veteran. I am a laboratory manager with patents pending for research in my field. I collect a handsome salary twice a month that pays for my two vehicles and brick home in the "nice part of town." My neighbors stop and chat while I mow the lawn at said home. Their children call me Mr. Henderson and sell me Girl Scout Cookies.

Perhaps your and my definitions of trash differ. Regardless, I strongly suggest you feel the waters before doing a canon-ball into a generally civil pool of gentlemen.

[Bugbear]

I promise if I visit Scotland I will wear my cowboy boots, hat and big @ss belt buckle! No chaps or spurs though, those are just for ridin'.

Of late, I have mostly been wearing overalls and an old straw hat. I don't think I would wear that or Highland attire either if I visited Scotland, though.