Kilted US expat in Scotland needing advice

[OC Richard]

One thing that I think has jaded the way I see wearing the kilt in Scotland are the tourists where I come from in Nashville, Tennessee...if someone passes by in a cowboy hat in Nashville, the locals turn to each other with a knowing glance, a shake of the head, and mumble “…tourist”.

Exactly! Growing up people wore "western wear" or elements of it as a matter of course. I generally wore cowboy boots and hat (and spent some time on horseback too). It's easy to spot the tourists because they're not wearing it as everyday clothing but as a sort of 'fancy dress'.

I can’t help but feel reticent to add to the image of “out-of-towners” chasing a fantasy of Scotland.

My wife and I have travelled quite a bit in Britain and we do our best to fly under the radar. What we dread most is being The Ugly American.

Which is one reason I've never considered taking a kilt on our trips. (The huge amount of precious space Highland Dress would take up in my suitcase is the other. We travel light, one carryon apiece for a two-week holiday.)

When I have brought Highland Dress to Scotland is on trips with a Pipe Band. Your typical Pipe Band person doesn't like wearing the band kit so none of us wear it unless we're required to, when competing at a Games or performing (Piping Live in Glasgow).

I've told the story about how I was caught out by a local. We had just performed in George Square.



The locals seem to enjoy seeing Pipe Bands from Italy, Brazil, and yes even California.

When our performance was done I had to walk back to our accomodation. On the way, a block from George Square, in full kit and pipes in hand, I was approached by a Glaswegian matron.

"WHERE are you FROM?" she demanded.

"California."

"I THOUGHT so!" And she strutted off.

Thing is, had she seen us playing she probably would have enjoyed it. But in isolation I must of appeared the very tourist, carrying around a cheap Pakistani bagpipe I'd just bought in a tat shop. (My century-old Glasgow-made pipes did feel insulted.)

Your situation is entirely different- you're living there.

Honestly I'm not sure what I would do in your position. I suppose I'd treat Highland Dress as I do here, something I wear to Highland Games or piping or Scottish fiddle concerts or kiltie meetups, or for any event where a level of formality is required (weddings etc) due to me having not owned a suit for most of my adult life.