Quote Originally Posted by CMcG View Post

So if the Irish kilt wearers just went about wearing their Irish tartans and Irish kilt accessories, without making any claims to symbolic value, would that be enough? Then they could enjoy the kilt like anyone else?

I'm actually being serious in my questioning. It would be fantastic to find a way to ease some of the hurt and tension that the issue of the Irish kilt brings up for some people...
I don't have any opposition to anyone at all wearing the kilt, not one jot. My point of view is one of complete confusion as to why there are so many in the USA that seem to have the view that the kilt originated in Ireland or is derived from Irish dress or is the Irish national dress as it is "Celtic". Simple as that. Sometimes people have been very heated about this but it is very disorientating when we see pictures or videos from USA St Patrick's day events where people, to express their Irishness, wear clothing that is symbolic of Scotland, or derived from design that the British army wear. Even the Great Highland bagpipe has been used in the British army for over 300 years, yet it is used as a symbol of Irishness in some of these events. I know a lot of forum members are from a different cultural background to me, but surely the source of my puzzlement is obvious? I have lived and worked on both sides of the Irish border and there is nothing like some of the hypothesis I have seen presented by some on here, (especially when history is bent out of shape). So, to cut it short, then my answer to your question is yes, without doubt.

Besides, I understand that the design and production of Irish tartans and Irish kilt accessories generates a healthy revenue for the Scottish firms that supply them, so it cuts both ways.

I have no hurt and tension on the subject at all, merely bafflement. That's all, folks.