Tartan-wearing conventions among Scots

[Jock Scot]

I would never have thought of a district tartan but would have chosen one from an associated clan as being a "proper" tartan not one of those modern made up ones. That is just a personal opinion, of course, but I think pretty general over here. If I have to be honest I don't think most Scots really know one tartan from another (apart from the one they are wearing possibly). Whenever I am kilted I quite often get asked what tartan I am wearing and, no, never THE QUESTION. It just does not happen here, not to me anyway.

The Question? Never been asked in nearly 70 years of kilt wearing.

[Phil]

The Question? Never been asked in nearly 70 years of kilt wearing.

Do you think it is something about us, Jock? Or are people here just more polite? I like to think it is the latter.

[Jock Scot]

Do you think it is something about us, Jock? Or are people here just more polite? I like to think it is the latter.

The latter I hope, although most Scots think they know the answer,so they do not need to ask the question, I suppose.

[O'Callaghan]

I think,with respect, you mis-understand how the Scots View(or not) district tartans. The fact is, that most of us don't even know they exist, so they don't come into our thoughts at all. They can't be a last resort as we,on the whole, don't know about them!

Yes indeed there are Scots that do wear many tartans, I would venture to suggest that they are not the norm though, but it is a free world after all and we are lucky to have the choice of how, where and why we wear the kilt.

Are you saying that the Scots should change their national dress to fit in with the rest of the world's version of what they see as how we Scots should dress? I hope not.That would be impertinence and arrogance,beyond belief! Maybe I am misreading things when you say that the "Scots show common sense"?

Not atall, Jock. I'm just interested in how you see it.

[Jock Scot]

Not atall, Jock. I'm just interested in how you see it.

Oh right! I am glad about that.

[Sir William]

If I saw somebody in one of the many Fraser kilts who wasn't either a Fraser or from one of the associated septs, I'd still call them a brother or sister if they wanted me to!

Bruce

I often thought of getting a Fraser kilt, though I'm not a Fraser. My reason is that I spent almost 15 years reenacting Fraser's Highlanders from both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution so feel I have a certain connection. But since kilts are expensive, I've settled for just wearing a couple of Fraser tartan ties.

[Sir William]

As a rather cynical local, I have put much of this clan sept thing, to name but one example, down to cleaver marketing of the tourist industry and associated trades and their biscuit tin version of Scots history and the wishful thinking of the visitors that are willing to part with their hard earned cash to buy into the Scots myth.

Clever marketing ploy or not, the Scots can be proud that so many people around the world WANT to be Scottish. Off-hand, I can't think of another culture that so many others have wanted to be identified with - to the point that they will "assume" one of their ancestors with a possible Scottish name was in fact a Scot, just so they can wear the tartan, badge, etc.

I'll admit that when I learned my "family" was from the Borders I was greatly disappointed because they weren't Highlanders. Now I learned that I have both Lowland and Highland Scots in my heritage - and I take pride in both. And while I have been able to trace one line of my family back to the late 16th century England (including 3 baronets), I'm more interested in my Scots heritage.

[gilmore]

Clever marketing ploy or not, the Scots can be proud that so many people around the world WANT to be Scottish. Off-hand, I can't think of another culture that so many others have wanted to be identified with - to the point that they will "assume" one of their ancestors with a possible Scottish name was in fact a Scot,...

I am afraid that in this contest the Irish have the Scots beat, at least in the US. Polls show that many more Americans identify as being of Irish descent that is statistically possible.

[Jock Scot]

I am afraid that in this contest the Irish have the Scots beat, at least in the US. Polls show that many more Americans identify as being of Irish descent that is statistically possible.

Is that so?Gosh what a laugh!

[gilmore]

Is that so?Gosh what a laugh!

Yes, the Irish have a reputation here of being colorful and interesting party animals, and St Patrick's day parades are very festive events in many cities. Here in Atlanta on that day you see African Americans wearing "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" buttons and T shirts.