Creating a Kilt Experience for the Masses

[scabd]

Dear X-Marks the Scot contributors,
My wife and I regularly host a ‘clan’ tent at Scottish festivals in New South Wales (Australia). Most clan folk (not just our clan) attending the Scottish festivals are not kilted. Given that to purchase a decent woollen kilt is expensive, this observation is unsurprising. (Even the less expensive acrylic kilts can be an impediment to someone who really doesn’t know if they want to wear a kilt.) I have often mused if more people would purchase and wear kilts if they could ‘try before they buy’. Is there is a way to introduce more people to kilt wearing? (Yes, I appreciate that one could rent or borrow a kilt.)

I have pondered whether an amenity, at Scottish festivals, where people can come in and try on a kilt, have friends take photos, etc, would help bridge the gap between wondering if one wanted a kilt and deciding that one must have a kilt. To establish such an amenity, one would need to accommodate a wide range of sizes and shapes. While a tailored kilt looks impressive, the great kilt is likewise iconic (thanks to Braveheart, Outlander, etc). When one compares the cost of purchasing half a dozen off the rack acrylic kilts of various sizes with a few lengths of double-width plaid (not necessarily a recognised tartan), the great kilt has the best cost-benefit. (I am conscious that due to all the YouTube clips that people think that one needs to pleat a great kilt on the ground and then lie on it before belting it in place, but it can be done quickly to a functional standard while standing up, and without a quarter of the fuss and effort.)

Have any other the other X-Marks the Scot contributors considered doing something similar. If so, what are your insights, the issues, potential solutions, best practice, etc.


Cheers,
Steve