Dressing for Scotland

**Fireboykirk** · 3rd January 16, 02:26 PM

So my wife and I are going to Scotland in September. YAY! I've read all the posts about what to do and how to behave, we have that covered, but what are your thoughts for dressing for Scotland. Not just for weather, but to blend in a little more. I used to live in Germany when I was a teenager, we dressed like the German teens..... Not like the Americans. It just seemed to make things easier.

looking forward to your thoughts.

**terry m** · 3rd January 16, 02:39 PM

We will be visiting the isle of Mull around that time to observe the wildlife in particular the white tailed eagle and otter if we are lucky. We will be dressing bog standard uk style, jeans etc and such attire as is necessary for the prevailing weather plus stout walking boots. My wife will have her camera and lenses that would make Mr Attenborough swell with pride. Unless you are visiting an event such as games etc dress is normal everyday stuff. Will I take my kilt? Probably not. But it won't stop me shopping for one lol, I will visit the lovely harbour town of Oban whilst Mrs Terry is on safari as there is always that kilt or accessories to browse on.

**cck** · 3rd January 16, 03:09 PM

The two times I was in Scotland, one in the summer and one in the late fall, I wore the same clothes I would wear in the US for the weather I was expecting and where I would be going. Whenever I travel my attire is fairly conservative. I'd rather not stand out as a tourist. On one of the trips I did take a kilt, as it was appropriate for an event I was attending.

**SeumasA** · 3rd January 16, 03:36 PM

We went in November. My attire for most of the trip was jeans, boots (we did a lot of walking), wool sweater (jumper) and a waterproof shell. Oh, and my cowboy hat--doubles as my umbrella. ;)

**Fireboykirk** · 3rd January 16, 03:37 PM

We're in the golden 40s and aren't loud anywhere. I'm very sensitive about the Clan affiliation and don't have any stickers or patches...any where. Lol. I'm not bringing a kilt, but I do plan on buying one. (My gift from my wife for supporting her through her school adventures). I would love to play my pipes at the Cairn, but haven't decided if it's worth the hassle of toting them around for 2 weeks.

**hector** · 3rd January 16, 03:53 PM

I was there in 2014 and wore my kilt at two occasions and once the whole day.
Maybe the people saw me as a tourist. But they were friendly and some people started a conversation and were happy and proud they could talk about their own family kilt. I would and I shall do it again.

**MacCathmhaoil** · 3rd January 16, 04:27 PM

You mentioned purchasing a kilt while you are in Scotland, may I suggest you consider one of the capable vendors here, rather than an unknown entity in Scotland. While we know there are some very capable kilt makers and honest vendors there it is a gamble and especially disappointing when you have returned home and something isn't right with your kilt. The cost alone to return it for repair, as well as the time and trouble aren't worth it! Consider any one of our renowned Xmarksthescot kilt makers or vendors first, you'll be glad you did! In fact with the Canadian exchange rate now would be an excellent time to buy a kilt from Steve or John Hart at Keltoi, serious 30-40% savings right now.

**cessna152towser** · 3rd January 16, 04:44 PM

Wear casual clothes, jeans or shorts depending on the weather and you will blend in just fine.
If you buy a kilt while you are here, by all means feel free to wear it while you are here.

**tpa** · 3rd January 16, 03:46 PM

You will be on holiday, so just wear whatever you would normally wear on holiday where you have to take into account the fact that it could be quite balmy or more likely, you will have to cope with wind and rain or anything in between. You don't dress up on holiday, if anything you dress down. So be it, if that includes a kilt, fine, if not also fine, just be comfortable and practical. You may not encounter any other kilt wearers, even in tourist areas, unless you come across a piper or band, if you wear a kilt you are unlikely to "blend in", however as someone who has never been keen to draw attention to myself, that doesn't stop me wearing one daily. Most people pay no attention or if they do say nothing or just pretend they have not noticed. That does not change when I'm in Scotland and I don't have a particularly noticeable Scots accent. In fact I have on more than one occasion been asked if I was American, though not when wearing a kilt.

**Jock Scot** · 3rd January 16, 03:01 PM

I am not sure which age group you are in, so advising you on teenager gear----some hope!---- when you are approaching pension age would not be helpful! However, please avoid the "loud American" both in voice and in attire. Sorry, but we see all too many, every year, we also see the quiet, thoughtful and respectful kind too and they are a pleasure to host . I think it is the world renowned American enthusiasm that gets the better of their judgement on occasion!

Two things to avoid at all costs, are the dreaded tartan justification lecture and secondly, avoid at all costs being festooned in assorted Clan stickers and Clan impedimenta, particularly if they are from different Clans.

"NO!" I hear you say, "we would not be like that!" Of course you wouldn't! But experience tells us otherwise, on occasion!

Weather wise, early September can be fairly warm------in the 70's F-----or more generally, early frosts and a peppering of snow on the high tops, but ALWAYS be prepared for the cold, wind and rain! A good pair of binoculars are always an asset.

I have tried to make this as light hearted as I can, but I am sure that you understand what I am getting at. If I can assist further please do not hesitate to ask. Perhaps we may even bump into each other if you are in Lochaber?