over doing the bling?

[Cygnus]

OK I am keeping the pot boiling here-----not criticising-----but I do wonder if we have a cultural thing going here? I think so and I suppose it is almost inevitable.

You see, I and most Scots in the know would not dream of wearing a dirk, or fly plaid and 300 year old silver brooch with a large chunk of Cairngorm in it to a black tie event. Its just not done.

Nor would I; though I've read a couple of Scottish sources (admittedly a bit dated) that say that diced or tartan hose are necessary for evening wear and that buckle shoes are acceptable for such occasions.

Most seem to not like the fly plaid, so I fully intend to steer clear!

To a kilt wearing Scot, whilst he is immensely proud of his national attire, wearing the kilt is not such a big deal. I will strap on the kilt without thinking about peacocks, or, strutting my stuff, in Inverness High Street, the local club, going to a dinner dance or a formal ball and it is no real effort.I am no different to many a Scot, although I do probably wear the kilt more than most.

You chaps new and fairly new to kilt wearing, in an environment that does not necessarily understand the finer points of kilt wearing and living in a more "up front" society seem to have the need to do "the peacock" bit. Particularly as it seems that the opportunity does not arise that often.

I wonder if I am getting a handle on this at last?

I think that's it exactly. People's perceptions in Inverness High Street and your local pub are very different from people's perceptions on Main Street USA and Uncle Sam's Local Pub - you put on a kilt here and you most certainly and noticeably have your tail feathers spread! And as long as you're drawing attention to yourself, you may as well go the "whole hog"!