Quote Originally Posted by Woodsheal View Post
Right, the first definitive description dates to 1594 (I believe), with some earlier references that might refer to belted plaids.
Now, I find it hard to envision that some clansman first donned a "great kilt" in 1594, and some literate person was standing by to instantly report on the occasion! Logically, the practice of wearing such a garment had to have been in place for some time before it was described on paper - or parchment....
Totally agree. It may have been "new" to the person writing about the galloglaigh wearing this garment, but it had obviously already become customary among these warriors themselves. I'd say mid-century (circa 1550) is a reasonable point to assume its introduction in the Western Isles & Highlands.

Interestingly, mid-to-late 1500s seems to be the period where three things in particular became popular in the Highlands: the belted plaid, the baskethilt broadsword, and the Great Highland Bagpipe.