Tartan-wearing conventions among Scots

[davidlpope]

For those of you who have had an opportunity, firsthand, to observe highland dress being worn in Scotland, or Scots wearing highland dress outside Scotland, a query:

Is there a generally accepted practice among Scots whose surnames are not associated with a particular tartan when it comes to which tartan they wear? In other words, do you find that they wear a tartan associated with their mother's maiden name, grandmother's maiden name, etc., or do they wear a district, regimental, or universal tartan (Hunting Stewart, Caledonia, etc.)?

A disclaimer: I'm not trying to rehash a "wear whatever tartan you want to wear" thread, but am trying to get some real data on what Scots do in Scotland...

Cordially,

David

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I would venture to say that probably 90% of those who own their own kilt (as opposed to renting one) would own one in their clan or family tartan.

[davidlpope]

I would venture to say that probably 90% of those who own their own kilt (as opposed to renting one) would own one in their clan or family tartan.

What about folks that don't have a "clan or family tartan" associated with their surname?

[McMurdo]

David
My Dad's kilt was a Gunn Modern, his mother's maiden name was Gunn, he was born in Blackburn outside Aberdeen. Now the interesting thing is that our last name is a sept of Graham, I have since joined the Graham Clan Society. I also wear the Graham of Mentieth tartan.

[Jock Scot]

What about folks that don't have a "clan or family tartan" associated with their surname?

Yes I see what you are getting at, in truth no one asks! I suppose we assume some sort of clan connection. Another reason for only wearing one tartan, as we usually do.

I can't say that I have really noticed, but district tartans are not really worn by individuals, I think that on the whole we would probably assume they were for pipe bands, if we give it any thought at all.

[Phil]

What about folks that don't have a "clan or family tartan" associated with their surname?

And what about those that do but wouldn't be seen dead in that tartan. There are 4 types of Scots that I can think of off-hand:-
1. Those that won't wear a kilt, not ever, in no circumstances
2. Those that hire a kilt for weddings etc. - they will wear anything the hire company has on offer
3. Those that buy a cheap kilt because they can't justify spending a lot of money - once again they will wear anything they can get at the right price
4. And finally those who want to look good and pay top price for a full 8 yard kilt, probably in a tartan connected to their father's surname or, failing that like me, their mother's.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

This is just an informal observation, but most that I have talked to would say -- all things being equal -- wear a tartan associated with your father's line. However, I know plenty of Scots who wear tartans for their mothers and grandmothers, so I don't think many see this as a hard and fast rule, rather than a general guideline to help people pick what tartan to wear.

I think most would agree, though, that if there is a tartan directly associated with your surname, that would be the primary one to wear.

[Jock Scot]

This is just an informal observation, but most that I have talked to would say -- all things being equal -- wear a tartan associated with your father's line. However, I know plenty of Scots who wear tartans for their mothers and grandmothers, so I don't think many see this as a hard and fast rule, rather than a general guideline to help people pick what tartan to wear.

I think most would agree, though, that if there is a tartan directly associated with your surname, that would be the primary one to wear.

You are right there Matt, however, I honestly don't think we give it much thought. I don't think many Scots know enough about tartans,other than their own and one or two more, and we are far too polite to enquire.

[Jimmy]

My family background is Southern Irish but I have been born and bred in Scotland and very proud of my Irish background as well as being very proud to be a Scot. The kilts that I have are unrelated to my family background, I just like particular tartans, but I suppose I should wear my black woollen and black leather more often. I may be a cuckoo in the nest

[Jock Scot]

My family background is Southern Irish but I have been born and bred in Scotland and very proud of my Irish background as well as being very proud to be a Scot. The kilts that I have are unrelated to my family background, I just like particular tartans, but I suppose I should wear my black woollen and black leather more often. I may be a cuckoo in the nest

How about; the exception that proves the rule?