Dressing for Scotland

[Fireboykirk]

I think we'll be ok. Thank you all for the suggestions. It's about what I thought, but there's a LOT of experience in the rabble.

I have several kilts from our posted vendors, and love them all, but when you have a childhood dream that's within reach......I may just have to do it. The next forum I was going to explore was the thoughts on trusted kilt shops in Scotland. I imagine there are a few with distinguished histories.

[jetstar63]

I might want to visit Scotland if only I could wear a kilt in a land where it originated, and blend in.

[Fireboykirk]

I'll probably wear the kilt I purchase, tourist or not, because I like them and wear them here. I think that's good enough. Even if it's just way out in the heather on a long hike.

[Jock Scot]

I'll probably wear the kilt I purchase, tourist or not, because I like them and wear them here. I think that's good enough. Even if it's just way out in the heather on a long hike.

In that case, watch out for ticks. I kid you not.

[The Q]

I don't know the tax situation on imports to the USA, but if you order a New kilt while you are in the UK and it has to be sent afterwards then you MAY get hit by import duties. If you send your sizes to a kilt maker before hand to the Kilt maker then you can bring it back in your luggage and probably not pay taxes. Most Kilt makers I've seen require 6 to 8 weeks notice to supply and most of the Kilt makers in Scotland can supply free of UK Taxes (20%) with proof you are going to export.

[Kiltedjohn]

Whenever I am in Scotland, I take the opportunity to don my kilt, even though there are very few other kilt-wearers about. Don't miss the opportunity!

[Jack Daw]

Well, for my trip in 2003, I wore jeans, waterproof Polo (brand) boots, a light rain jacket, and tech shirts; except, I wore slacks and a sports-jacket to meet the daughter-in-law of Lady Strathnaver (the Sutherland Chief). Most of the time, I was trapsing about on wet battlegrounds, mountain paths, and graveyards. It rained everyday of my three weeks there, save one.

[Fireboykirk]

Thanks Q, that's a great option. I'll look heavily into that.

[tpa]

In that case, watch out for ticks. I kid you not.

I wondered about mentioning that. I get pestered by midges, but my wife doesn't, however after a day's deer watching and photographing we spent the evening removing ticks from my wife's back! I was not affected, so they are obviously selective. That was in July when they are most active, but I understand they can still operate in the cold winter months.

[brewerpaul]

To some degree you will have to monitor your weather conditions prior to your trip and plan from there on your attire. This past June Jennifer and I spent 3 weeks in the Highlands. I kept pretty close tabs on the weather conditions so we could pack as light as possible, take our hiking and outdoor gear and have room left over to bring back a sinful amount of wool fabric. For us it was a breath of fresh (cool to cold at the time in Scotland) air because we had the heat of summer coming at us in Missouri. We packed clothing that we would and do wear in the cooler days of our lives in the Mid-west. With limited space we each had a bag for our clothing and a combined sport bag (shoes, boots, packs, walking poles, rain gear). Of course most of what we wear when it is cool tends to be wool so we had all the right stuff for our trip. Plans were to have about 5-6 days of clothes and wash as we went. For me it was quick dry shirts that were the best to wear. Beyond that it was wool slacks, a pair of wool breeks, cotton pants and one kilt. I used one pair of leather brogue boots (Allan Edmond Longbranch) and we just bought some boot cream for after the days our shoes got a bit damp. Just a few photos below.

Comments from people were that we "Looked quite smart together", "we made a lovely couple" and "very smart looking indeed". I know I will catch some grief for donning a flat cap with my kilt but I needed something for the mist and rain and a ball type cap just doesn't cut it.

Only a couple of us together. First was at Knockando Wool Mill buying loads of beautiful fabric, yes 4 meters of kilt fabric included.


Second was at the Kenmore Highland Games.


My typical look, brown tweed slacks, quick dry shirt, tweed sweater or sweater vest, Longbranch boots.


Jennifer at Eilean Donan Castle. I saw many ladies turn head and comment on her plaid skirt quite often.


Dang tourist, me in tweed sweater, cotton pants etc.



The better of us two, Jennifer in Edinburgh.

Her plaid skirt saw lots of action, Culloden Battle Field.


Me at Eilean Donan Castle, even had people give me a look in my breeks.




This is not odd clothing for us to wear, we wear it all the time in the Mid West. When we went to Scotland it was just a matter of finding something versatile to wear for the 3 weeks.

Last couple of photos are just of us doing some of our hill walks. Scotland had a very wet, cold and cloudy June, even most local people we met were hoping for better weather. We planned about right for our gear to hike in. Boots, quick dry everything, light rain jacket, gloves, hats and head bands for our ears. A pack filled with a couple of meat pies, a butane stove and tea kettle kept us going.

Typical photo of our climbing, Jennifer at one of the summits and the clouds.


Me in sensible quick dry clothes for hiking, and a full pack.



The dynamic duo atop another Ben in the ......clouds.




I guess the main thing is to keep an eye on your weather, wear what you are comfortable in and have a great time.