Kilted US expat in Scotland needing advice

[SoulFyre777]

Apologies for the radio silence, gang. It been a busy week and I haven’t had a chance to catch up till today.

I just wanted to thank all of you for your input. This has been really helpful to hear so much encouragement. I am beginning to feel that I may actually be able to wear my kilt again without the threat of being accused of “cultural misappropriation” by my new neighbours. Haha

Now to procure a nice new jacket for my next outing.

And on that note, where are these charity shops with kilts and such someone mentioned?? I have looked in every one I passed and found absolutely nothing so far.

[Jock Scot]

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And on that note, where are these charity shops with kilts and such someone mentioned?? I have looked in every one I passed and found absolutely nothing so far.

There are three charity shops in the High Street at Fort William that SOMETIMES have kilt attire and tweed jackets available.

[Jock Scot]

Thinking on about the jacket. These days for general "everyday" kilt attire, if that is, I am wearing the kilt which is not always a regular choice, I rarely wear a tweed jacket. These days depending on the weather, I wear a tattersall patterned shirt , actually today it is a blue gingham, small check shirt, usually with a tie, a pullover of assorted weights depending on the weather and a fleece, usually a waistcoat version. Yes, I wear kilt hose at the traditional height, usually with black brogues(sometimes brown), although, wellingtons(green) are not an unusual choice. My choices of "everyday" kilt attire, these days would not be unusual around here. Although, it must be remembered , that the kilt would not be the attire most around here would wear, for everyday attire.

[Troglodyte]

And on that note, where are these charity shops with kilts and such someone mentioned?? I have looked in every one I passed and found absolutely nothing so far.

It's a bit of a lotttery.

Or you have to be there at the right time.

I have chanced into charity shops with a let's-have-a-look-see approach and found several kilts, sporrans and Prince Charlies available, along with a few tweed Argyle jackets, and then have seen none for months.

To heck reguarly (weekly, or daily if you can) is the trick, and to choose your location, too.

I should have thought that Edinburgh was a good bet, but the shops in well-heeled provincial towns often receive 'donations' of the better quality kind - so to find a kilt or jacket with a bespoke tailor's label is not as rare as it might seem. But you get an awful lot of generic Highland wear also.

Check the house-clearance outlets also. The often take-in clothing along with furniture, and sell it off at give-away prices. I know of one that had a whole rail of clothing at jumble-sale prices - with kilts for £2.50..!

[Ivor]

Armstrongs in the Grassmarket usually have a selection of second-hand kilts, jackets etc. . Charity shops only occasionally have any, usually shortly after graduation time at the university. St. Andrews can be a good place to look for that.
Armstrongs also have another place on South Clerk street.

[SoulFyre777]

Oh wow! That’s all great to know! I wil absolutely check out Armstrongs! I live in Haddington so maybe its just that the charity shops out this way have less merchandise turnover than in Edinburgh.

Also, full transparency - I had to look up tattersall shirts. But that looks really nice, though, actually. Particularly with a nice jumper vest (is that the right word?). Giving me lots to think about over here. Haha

[Jock Scot]

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Also, full transparency - I had to look up tattersall shirts. But that looks really nice, though, actually. Particularly with a nice jumper vest (is that the right word?). Giving me lots to think about over here. Haha

A couple of observations on tattersall patterned shirts in the Uk that you may find helpful. Firstly, avoid button down collars and secondly, avoid the loud “ lumberjack” style patterns.

I am not sure what you mean by a “jumper vest”, but I think that you might be talking about a sleeveless pullover(jumper)?

[OC Richard]

Armstrongs in the Grassmarket usually have a selection of second-hand kilts, jackets etc.

So interesting you should mention that!

Right there in Cowgatehead there used to be a small shop, I don't remember what it was called, but they had loads of pre-owned Highland Dress. It was a sort of Pipe Band supply shop specialising in pre-owned things.

They were at 1 Cowgatehead. I just looked on Google Street View, it appears to be gone.

[ThreeGs]

Just wear one tartan.

I'd be interested to hear a bit more about this tip/guideline.
Do you mean one clan tartan?
I'd like to be able to eventually branch out into special interest tartans like the State of Maine.

-edited to add-
It has occurred to me that you may have been meaning to say only wear one tartan in the same outfit. That I get.

[Jock Scot]

I'd be interested to hear a bit more about this tip/guideline.
Do you mean one clan tartan?
I'd like to be able to eventually branch out into special interest tartans like the State of Maine.

Well the original poster, a stranger, within his present locality appeared to want a low key, softly softly approach to gain confidence with him wearing the kilt in "unknown" surroundings in the heart of "kilt country". So it seemed obvious to me, as an insider, to advise accordingly.

Generally speaking the locals would probably not own a kilt. Yes! There are exceptions. So this "outsider" who will probably stand out within his chosen community with his accent AND wearing the kilt. So he will be noticed.Tartan collections in kilt form is not a common trend here. So his softly softly approach will in time, I hope, pay dividends. Once the locals have got used to the "Yank with the kilt" wandering around, then with luck, his growing confidence with wearing the kilt within the locality will soon allow him to venture further and further into "kilt Country".

Good luck to him , I say.