The Germans and the Kilt - From Prince Albert to today

[artificer]

Rocky's comments in THIS thread have prompted me to FINALLY post this thread.

I've long been fascinated by Scotland and the Kilt. I have little to no Scottish blood (although I do have an insanely distant branch of the family that may have relocated to Scotland in the 1840's).

As I was planning some weight loss, I promised myself the Kilt (which I've ALWAYS wanted). Loss achieved, Kilt(s) purchased. NOW I'm making sporrans and kilt belts...

An acquaintance of mine, who's as German as I am, is a semi-professional piper and has worn the Kilt on and off for years.

Rocky has enough custom from those of German heritage to design two tartans reflecting that.

Prince Albert seemed to take quite an interest in all things Scottish as well.

So, I guess the big question is is this...

What IS it about Scotland and the Kilt that draws us?

From the smart, crisply pleated traditional tartans to the welder's suede MUG I'm thinking about making, I love them all. Sporrans - yes please. Sgian Dubhs - absolutely. Hose - well, the Germans LOVE hose (they go so well with OUR national costume Lederhosen {far less cool, IMO}). Is it JUST comfort? Not for me.

Rocky mentioned that there's a goth/devo element that can be used in 'modern kilt' styling that's still a very going concern in parts of Germany.

Any thoughts or personal anecdotes?

[Jock Scot]

I think Sir Walter Scott, Landseer, MacLeay and others combined with Victorian romanticism,escapism and a thriving and immature tourist industry have all assisted in the rose tinted view of the Highlands. Many still believe to this day, that not so many years ago Highland Scots gentlemen tripped across the peat bogs in their best finery, festooned with swords, pistols and Lochaber axes, taking pot shots at some unbelievable stag, whilst at the same time wrestling with monster salmon. All of course attended by shaggy, bearded kilt clad Highlanders to pander to the gallent gentleman's every need. It was nonsense then and it is nonsense now, but some of it has stuck in our brain.

Wonderful scenery we have, history we have, tradition we have, good food and drink we have, some of the finest shooting and fishing in the world we have, fine and historic golf courses we have, much more we have, but the one thing we have never had in the Highlands were "rose tinted" glasses unless they were worn by those that were living in a world far removed from reality.

[Redshank]

All of course attended by shaggy, bearded kilt clad Highlanders to pander to the gallent gentleman's every need.

You called Sir ?

[toadinakilt]

I think Sir Walter Scott, Landseer, MacLeay and others combined with Victorian romanticism,escapism and a thriving and immature tourist industry have all assisted in the rose tinted view of the Highlands. Many still believe to this day, that not so many years ago Highland Scots gentlemen tripped across the peat bogs in their best finery, festooned with swords, pistols and Lochaber axes, taking pot shots at some unbelievable stag, whilst at the same time wrestling with monster salmon. All of course attended by shaggy, bearded kilt clad Highlanders to pander to the gallent gentleman's every need. It was nonsense then and it is nonsense now, but some of it has stuck in our brain.

I don't think that's just a German thing. When asked "Are you Scottish?" whilst kilted, the next words out of their mouths usually have some romantic comment about Scotland or Ireland... I think in most people's minds, the helicopter shots from "Raising Ned Divine", complete with soaring pennywhistle, or that scene from Braveheart where he's running along the ridge while drums pound and brass sound, is what being in Scotland or Ireland is like.

Actually, I've always supported the idea of having my own soundtrack while I went through life...

[Jock Scot]

You called Sir ?

Shhhhhhh! You don't exist!

[Redshank]

Shhhhhhh! You don't exist!

Sorry I will retire to my cave

[Jock Scot]

Sorry I will retire to my cave

Oh come on Chris stop kidding! We all know that you are the "Big Cheese" behind that successful multi national import export empire. OK, its HQ may be in a cave, but really, your poor down trodden Highlander disguise was rumbled yonks ago.

[Redshank]

Oh come on Chris stop kidding! We all know that you are the "Big Cheese" behind that successful multi national import export empire. OK, its HQ may be in a cave, but really, your poor down trodden Highlander disguise was rumbled yonks ago.

Bugger

[ThistleDown]

Oh come on Chris stop kidding! We all know that you are the "Big Cheese" behind that successful multi national import export empire. OK, its HQ may be in a cave, but really, your poor down trodden Highlander disguise was rumbled yonks ago.

*snicker*

[bchunter]

I believe my ancestors were attending to the attendants.