Interaction with the public

**Tarheel** · 28th October 18, 04:40 AM

Here is a photo from a few years ago. I am among thousands of folks attending a pre-game (aka. tailgating) American football contest. I was then and am still, the only one wearing a kilt to this event. I try to look my best because I also present the Model A Ford (dedicated to the spirit of the local University) shown in the second photo. I have observed that the car draws attention more than I do. People aren't as ready and willing to approach me when I am in my kilt without the car.

However, once engaged, people are quick to ask questions. Other times I have worn my kilt (parties, award dinners, etc) I am met with pleasant nods and smiles (unless I meet someone that knows me and understands my love for extended conversation).

I have the mindset that I am the same person either kilted today, work outfit tomorrow, bathing suit at the lake or nude in the shower (during my awful singing rehearsals). I stand a bit taller and feel the uniqueness of my attire when kilted and enjoy the sensation, wishing everyone could feel that way.

Feel free to post you're thoughts and observations on direct public interactions while you were kilted.

**Styckbow** · 29th October 18, 02:44 PM

I find that I have more interaction with people when I am wearing a kilt. I get way better service at the liquor store when I am standing in front of the scotch section in my kilt than when I am wearing jeans. I also find that I stand out in a good way and for some reason it makes me more approachable to people. By the way I love your Car, looks good. My Dad has a 28 Dodge Brothers sedan, a Chev 28 coupe, and a 50 Chev truck and I love to help him at all the car shows. I have never done it kilted ....yet. Might have too next time.

**Dusty** · 29th October 18, 05:22 PM

I have gone to several Louisiana State University and Mississippi State games kilted. Always get alot of comments. Haven't made it to an University of Mississippi game yet.

**Tarheel** · 30th October 18, 05:00 AM

Originally Posted by Dusty

I have gone to several Louisiana State University and Mississippi State games kilted. Always get alot of comments. Haven't made it to an University of Mississippi game yet.

You're always welcome in Oxford.

**Steve Ashton** · 30th October 18, 01:49 PM

Yea, I know, it's terrible. At car shows it is the car that gets all the attention. No one ever notices the guy in the kilt.

**estimaa** · 2nd November 18, 05:25 AM

That's funny, why do Jaguars and kilts (& some scots) always go together.
Must be in the DNA.

Walkinshaw was a terrible example, but he was also involved in those things.

(I have the same engine in my Jaguar,- one of the best ever made in the UK.)

**neloon** · 2nd November 18, 06:11 AM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

Yea, I know, it's terrible. At car shows it is the car that gets all the attention. No one ever notices the guy in the kilt.

Geoff Nicholsby's numberplate was always "K1LTS". Maybe Howie inherited it, I don't know.

Alan

**Tarheel** · 30th October 18, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by Styckbow

By the way I love your Car, looks good. My Dad has a 28 Dodge Brothers sedan, a Chev 28 coupe, and a 50 Chev truck and I love to help him at all the car shows. I have never done it kilted ....yet. Might have too next time.

Be prepared to explain how to enter and exit your car while kilted. These questions will come up.

**OC Richard** · 2nd November 18, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by Tarheel

Feel free to post your thoughts and observations on direct public interactions while you were kilted.

Being a piper means performing in public while kilted. Obviously not much interaction can happen while you're blowing on the pipes! But beforehand and afterwards there are always direct public interactions.

I feel that it's a duty, and part of my role as a piper, to be an ambassador of sorts for the pipes, for Highland Dress, for Gaelic culture, for Scottish history. I know many pipers don't feel this way. To them the pipes are a mere musical instrument, and Highland Dress is an annoying requirement. They're in public to make music, and know or care nothing about Highland history or culture. They would much rather perform the pipes wearing ordinary clothes.

I always get questions about the pipes and Highland Dress. Sometimes questions about Scottish culture or history. Oftentimes it's simply a question about the tartan I'm wearing, or what my sporran is made of. Sometimes people share stories about their travels in Scotland. I love these chats! Especially about travelling in Britain, and British history.

**kingandrew** · 2nd November 18, 10:22 PM

My experiences are very much like Jonathan's. I never get negative comments, but lots of supportive ones. Since I live in China, there are always people with friendly questions (not usually the one you're thinking of). People always admire the way the kilt looks and are curious about the traditions and accessories of kilt-wearing.

I am very happily married, but do regret that I did not take up the kilt when I was single. Had I done so, it would have been a more adventurous time for me. My college-age son made this discovery when I loaned him a kilt for a New Year's party a few years ago in Shanghai.

Andrew