Upcoming Holiday in Scotland and England

[Jock Scot]

I think I take it as a compliment, Jock.

A compliment it is. I have nothing but admiration for the members on this website where the English language is not their native tongue who contribute here and add their perspective on kilt matters.

[neloon]

I hope it doesn't add to the confusion, but the "midge" is not a mosquito and is generally called a "midgie" by locals in Scotland
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highland_midge
Alan

[RAF]

Ok, thank you all for your input - much appreciated! I will definitely post pictures when possible. Keep the ball rolling if anyone else has anything else to say :-) And since when has anyone here not had anything to say Thanks again!

[OC Richard]

I'm ecstatic to say that a long awaited trip to the UK is happening soon!
The three week itinerary includes Glasgow, Skye, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and London (in that order.) Time of year: mid-May through early June.

That's awesome! You'll have a blast. People who live in Britain can't understand why we Americans enjoy their country so much, just as we here in Southern California can't understand how people from other countries can find Los Angeles (which we think the cesspool of the world) lovely and charming.

As I am trying to pack as economically and light as possible, do you think the kilt is a practical choice?

No, and it's why I didn't consider for a moment bringing Highland Dress on our holidays in Britain. Suitcase room is precious and a kilt, sporran, etc take up far too much room in my opinion.

I don't want to appear a hubristic American.

Another excellent reason to leave the kilt at home. When my wife and I travel in Britain we try to dress and act as unpretentious and unassuming as possible.

I feel conflicted about kilting in the UK.

I wasn't, I never considered hauling around all that gear for a nanosecond. (I suppose I'll be in the minority of Americans on this topic!)

BUT... here I am, wearing kilts in Glasgow!



The thing was, I wasn't on holiday with my wife, but had travelled to Scotland as a member of a band. I ONLY wore kilts while performing with the band, or travelling to or from our performances. We had one off day (the rest of our two weeks in Glasgow was spent rehearsing or performing) and I spent that day in Edinburgh, in pants.

[creagdhubh]

Good advice above. My only addition is to suggest that you wear the kilt as per the Scots instruction book , not the "rest of the World" instruction book, it will be appreciated. Have fun.

***

Let me know if you will be in the Inverness-shire area. I can give my great aunt and uncle a heads up and perhaps you can stop by for tea, a proper chat and maybe a light lunch. They reside in Kingussie, not too far south from Inverness. A very beautiful part of Scotland with plenty of lively, outdoor activities. The Highland Folk Museum and the Clan Macpherson Museum and House in Newtonmore, just 3 or so miles down the road from Kingussie, are top-notch destinations and the latter is worth a visit for everyone, not just Macphersons.

Enjoy,

[GG]

I’m a rather brave man, so I’m convinced I should bring a kilt with me if going to visit beautiful Scotland. In order not to be regarded one of the” locals”, I should wear it in a casual but, of course, proper context. You could say with the purpose of replacing some nice fitting and high priced jeans by the kilt. That means that I should not need a lot of high land gear, on the contrary: Just the kilt, a plain day sporran, kilt hose and a belt & buckle. That I should combine with what I would otherwise be wearing together with the jeans: A nice wind breaker of a good name, some fine polo shirts and some heavy shoes. Nothing thrifty with me, far from, just casual. The leather things should be the same color and the whole outfit color coordinated.
After all we Scandinavians are known to appreciate good design and style.

It might look something like this:


Cologne, on an 8 x 4 meter screen outside the PhotoKino exhibition in September last year.


Amsterdam


In the back yard, ready for leaving.

I should be just a man in a kilt. But I admit that I should not be man enough to dare wearing somebody else’s tartan up there in Scotland. I would only bring with me universal tartan kilts. Being old and unarmed I shouldn’t be able to defense myself against an offended hot-tempered Scotsman with a sgian dubh or dirk in his hand. And first of all I shouldn’t wish to harm anybody’s feelings.

The few persons, who might give me some negative comments, might be, I could hope for, in Warsaw showing off their private parts or trying to empty the liquor stores for cheap goods.

[neloon]

After all we Scandinavians are known to appreciate good design and style.

Indeed you are, Greg, and you are a perfect example of good style.
Hope you get to Scotland soon.
Alan

[John_Carrick]

Some great advice here. I think the kilt is a very practical vacation clothing option. A single garment that can substitute for almost every sort of trouser from shorts to dress wear. It is about 10% of your backage allowance but you can wear it so often. I'm also content to suffer the mild indignity of the airport security check to save on baggage by wearing it.
The kilt goes down well in London too. To most people you might as well be wearing an invisibility cloak, or with those that mention it, usually you get polite curiosity or compliments.
I would not go an holiday without one (or two or three).
John

[GG]

Indeed you are, Greg, and you are a perfect example of good style.
Hope you get to Scotland soon.

Thank you, Alan. And some day we will. My wife rather often speaks about the nice days we spent in Edinburgh and the trip we had to the Highlands - almost 17 years ago.

[GG]

I agree with you, John. I have been to London a couple of years ago and have worn the kilt there. No problem at all.