Rocky's comments in THIS thread have prompted me to FINALLY post this thread.

I've long been fascinated by Scotland and the Kilt. I have little to no Scottish blood (although I do have an insanely distant branch of the family that may have relocated to Scotland in the 1840's).

As I was planning some weight loss, I promised myself the Kilt (which I've ALWAYS wanted). Loss achieved, Kilt(s) purchased. NOW I'm making sporrans and kilt belts...

An acquaintance of mine, who's as German as I am, is a semi-professional piper and has worn the Kilt on and off for years.

Rocky has enough custom from those of German heritage to design two tartans reflecting that.

Prince Albert seemed to take quite an interest in all things Scottish as well.

So, I guess the big question is is this...

What IS it about Scotland and the Kilt that draws us?

From the smart, crisply pleated traditional tartans to the welder's suede MUG I'm thinking about making, I love them all. Sporrans - yes please. Sgian Dubhs - absolutely. Hose - well, the Germans LOVE hose (they go so well with OUR national costume Lederhosen {far less cool, IMO}). Is it JUST comfort? Not for me.

Rocky mentioned that there's a goth/devo element that can be used in 'modern kilt' styling that's still a very going concern in parts of Germany.

Any thoughts or personal anecdotes?