What sort of reception will a kilt wearing Yank get in London ?

[Howard Clark]

I am going to be in and around London for the next two weeks (arriving Saturday). What sort of reaction (if any) should I be prepared for whilst kilted in those parts ?

I had considered just packing trousers, to which my wife said, "why would you do that" ? (what a fine woman I have)

[Paul Henry]

Hello Howard, I live in just on the edge of London and when I go into it I'm generally kilted,ok so I'm not an american, but I have no problems at all.
I'd say that a casual smart look would work best, nothing too fancy , a good sensible tweed jacket type of look ,will be noticed but will not be commented on too mcuh,apart from other tourists who may well want a photo taken with you!
And if you fancy a coffee somewhere in town , let me know and I'd love to meet up

Paul

[RobertParker]

I've gotten a few remarks here and there, either by teenagers looking for something funny to say or by drunk people (actually, the teens might have been drinking too), but by and large very few people said much to me. Most of the ones that did were kind and supportive. More than once, Scots who moved to London said it was nice to see a kilt now and again.

[thescot]

Who cares what they say? I think you should take your wife to a fine dinner, give her a hug from all of us, and buy her anything she wants. She's a rare find!

Since she doesn't care . . . wear the kilt. You'll be fine I'm pretty sure. Not that I live in London or anything. And not that I know enough to be entitled to an opinion, I am just envious of your wife's attitude!

[morrison]

Agreed that, "Who cares" what they say is a right mindset. The attitude of the greater population relative to the receptivity of the kilt on a non citizen of the country isn't embodied in one or two comments of opinion. Even so, there is a minor concern in that when comments are proffered the general unspoken consensus might be given fair airing toward the public wearing of a traditional clothing choice over more popular trousers.

Bottom line is;

ah tennnn HUT
.
. . . . KILT
.
. . . . ON!

[Howard Clark]

Just curiosity mostly, not concern. I am going alone (I wish my family could come along, but that will have to wait for another time). Most of the two weeks will be spent in the company of blacksmiths working in the forge. I think I will take one of my work grade kilts, and a nice one to wear out. I will likely pack trousers as well, in case the work gets really dirty.

Looking forward to the trip at any rate.

[thescot]

Since you're going to the forge, why not get or make a kilt apron like the military used to wear to put over the kilt. You could make one fairly easily--or hire a tailor at low cost since it's so simple--amd make one from heavy canvas or oil cloth or something fire retardant.

Just a thought.

[Lallans]

South Asians have quite a legendary love for the Scots so why would they not welcome kilts in London?

[Jock Scot]

There is very little left in this world that will shock a Londoner these days Howard. Have a good trip.

[Schiehallion]

I live in north London and wear my kilt in all parts of the capital. No problem but comments received range from :
" Scottish" (some are so observant!)
" How smart and handsome you look in your kilt" ( at my age always nice to hear!)
" Tartan Army hoots mon" ( Usually when Scotland are playing rugby or football )
" Nice to see the kilt "
"Is it a special occasion ?" (as if we need to be celebrating!)
"Look men in skirts" ( ignorant teenagers who need to bring to attention to themselves)
" Is it true? what's under your kilt?" (well you'd expect that from time to time)
" can you do a Highland Fling?" (I can but not in the street!)

Most of all, people accept you as you are and as Jock says 'little shocks a Londoner these days' they have seen it all before!

So wear your kilt with pride as you will be very welcome in London. Enjoy your trip!

A word of warning .... there can be very strong up draughts in the tube system particularly on stairs near the platform, as trains rush into stations, so beware if you have a lightweight PV kilt. If its 16 oz. no problem!

( yes a coffee or a beer would be a great idea Paul.)