Interest in kilts/Scottish things, should benefit Scotland, and UK

[Michael Weatherhead]

It may be a stretch. But it seems to me, that the more worldwide interest that is generated, in kilts, tartans, and in Scotland in general, Scotland, and its people should benefit from it. Many Americans have an interest in these things, for various reasons. One chief reason is that their ancestors are from Scotland. So the more we help make others aware of Scotland, kilts, etc etc, I would think that the country of Scotland would stand to gain, ie, more tourists, more money spent, help boost their economy. An I enjoy clay target shooting. My wife, daughters, and I shoot several times a year, and always invite their friends, and ours to join us. I once read an magazine article, that encouraged us to pass this hobby down to our families, and to invite others to try it. Otherwise, how do we expect the sport to carry on? I think the same could be said, about kilts, Scottish heritage, etc. We should freely share our interest with others. Not hide it , nor make it an exclusive club, that only certain people can join. Is this making sense? Or is it crazy talk? I love sharing things that interest me, with others.

[Tarheel]

As a professed collector of trivia, I am able to pass on tidbits about Scotland, kilting, history and ancestry that hopefully will draw someone else's interest (as Michael suggests) to help in the progress and future of Scotland. Grass root ideas lead to baby steps toward a larger goal.

[OC Richard]

Sad to me that Scotland isn't benefiting financially as much as she should, or could, from the increasing interest around the world in the kilt.

Go up and down the Royal Mile and 90% of the stuff sold is made in Pakistan. Tourists come from all over the world to buy Scottish goods and they go home, unwittingly, with Pakistani stuff. In my opinion there should be a law protecting Scottish makers, along the lines of the EU's laws protecting cheese, wine, etc.

At the very least Scotland could come up with a Made In Scotland logo and mount an advertising campaign to make the public aware, and encourage shoppers to look for goods so marked.

Yes Scottish culture is getting more worldwide exposure, but as the old musician's adage goes, "you can't eat exposure".

[Mathew MacKillop]

At the very least Scotland could come up with a Made In Scotland logo and mount an advertising campaign to make the public aware, and encourage shoppers to look for goods so marked.

Here in Quebec, we do similar things. I've noticed it particularly with cheese, and it has encouraged me to buy and try more local varieties than imported ones. So far as I can tell, those stickers placed on products produced locally have done a good job of informing those who would otherwise just buy whatever was cheep and plentiful. I would love to see this sort of thing implemented in Scotland so as to help both tourists and uninformed locals as to exactly where there money is going!

[MacEanruig]

Sad to me that Scotland isn't benefiting financially as much as she should, or could, from the increasing interest around the world in the kilt.

Go up and down the Royal Mile and 90% of the stuff sold is made in Pakistan. Tourists come from all over the world to buy Scottish goods and they go home, unwittingly, with Pakistani stuff. In my opinion there should be a law protecting Scottish makers, along the lines of the EU's laws protecting cheese, wine, etc.

At the very least Scotland could come up with a Made In Scotland logo and mount an advertising campaign to make the public aware, and encourage shoppers to look for goods so marked.

Yes Scottish culture is getting more worldwide exposure, but as the old musician's adage goes, "you can't eat exposure".

I like the Made In Scotland logos idea, but I wonder who would govern the standards.

[Finistere]

Sad to me that Scotland isn't benefiting financially as much as she should, or could, from the increasing interest around the world in the kilt.

Go up and down the Royal Mile and 90% of the stuff sold is made in Pakistan. Tourists come from all over the world to buy Scottish goods and they go home, unwittingly, with Pakistani stuff. In my opinion there should be a law protecting Scottish makers, along the lines of the EU's laws protecting cheese, wine, etc.

At the very least Scotland could come up with a Made In Scotland logo and mount an advertising campaign to make the public aware, and encourage shoppers to look for goods so marked.

Yes Scottish culture is getting more worldwide exposure, but as the old musician's adage goes, "you can't eat exposure".

I see your point, but shouldn't the Scots selling the stuff with a massive mark up from Pakistan etc be encouraged to buy local and not be so greedy, this would benefit everybody in the long run. Kit

[terry m]

The problem with being a tourist in Scotland, and elsewhere in the uk like Cornwall or London for example is , stuff ain't cheap to buy. Before you think about whether stuff is manufactured locally or abroad. If you are touring with even a modest sized family you can look at parting with a three figure sum of cash just to supply everyone with a souvenir T shirt.
Then another £20 or £ 30 for a simple lunch.
Last time I was in Scotland one shop was asking nearly twenty pounds for a coffee mug with a clan crest on it or similar......really?????
It is a common complaint in the uk in tourist areas that business is not good. Well I wonder why. I think local economies would benefit more if they reduced prices even just a little.

[Benning Boy]

It may be a stretch. But it seems to me, that the more worldwide interest that is generated, in kilts, tartans, and in Scotland in general, Scotland, and its people should benefit from it.o (snip)

I have a few things made in Scotland, but more things made in the US or Canada, mostly because they were less expensive than basicly identicle items made in Scotland. There are sometimes high import duties on top of the basic cost. I'm not stingy, I freely spend on what I want, but see no reason to spend more than necessary. So, I'll support Scotland when prices are competitive.

[Father Bill]

I had a dodgy experience once with a Scotland-based kiltmaker who didn't answer E-mails or even the phone until I cancelled my credit card payment, at which time they were suddenly very interested in me and rushed the job... which showed in the finishing.

Since then I've done as I always recommend to others: I deal with a kiltmaker to whose shop I can easily drive. He and I discuss the items. He orders the cloth. He cuts it. He stitches it. He straps it on me and, if necessary, makes adjustments. Nae a problem ever!

Now, when I want something he doesn't actually make, it's almost always ordered from Scotland, but he's still there to stand behind his merchandise. He also fixed up the one from Scotland.

My thought is not to criticize any overseas maker or supplier (except that one!) only that it's wise to deal with someone you can see eye-to-eye when possible, or at least someone who has the backing of the Great Rabble.

Kudos to John at Keltoi!

[Michael Weatherhead]

Having said all I said, I forgot about the time I tried to order some Scottish stuff, from Ebay. The Ebay store, was based in Scotland. I never recieved my items. I then emailed them, still didn't hear from them. I contacted Ebay. And voila! The online store finally contacted me. I just cancelled the transaction. From then on, I haven't bought any "Scottish" things from the UK. I hate to admit that. But, their stuff is pricey. Shipping is usually outrageous. I buy them from the US, or Canana. Shipping is faster, things are usually cheaper.

The other part of my thread, dealt with passing on what we are interested in, or sharing it with others. To the chagrin of some posters on this site, I DID WEAR MY KILT, AT HALLOWEEN. And because of that, I had conversations with people, about kilts, Scotland, their Scottish ancestry, etc. Had some Mexican people ask me about my kilt, and the haunted castle I built, for our halloween party. They asked me why I did all of it. I told them that I had once lived in Scotland, and I'm interested in all things Scottish and Irish. They proceeded to ask me about Scotland. We had a nice conversation. They were very interested in it. Also, last March, in the school I worked for, I did a big Scottish/Irish display, for St. Paddy's day. I had music, flags, posters, maps. (Didn't have my kilt then, or I would have worn it). Several teachers came up after, and spoke with me, about their ancestors, clans, etc. Let's spread the word, share our excitement with others. That's all.