The kilt cannot be universally accepted

[Jock Scot]

So we have this wonderful and mysterious division about the kilt, half the world loves it, the other half look at it with susupicion.
Certain societies, certain cultures, certain religions believe that the kilt is the anti-Christ of modern dress for men, some say it is nothing less than blasphemy to see a man in a skirt, some say its a form of cross-dressing, some say like many up market sports, the kilt is for only the well heeled.
Then we have the societies, cultures, countries that love to see a man in his kilt, here a kilted man is singled out as some sort of dress hero, some sort of sex god , someone who has to be stopped in the street to pose for photos, someone who cannot go on a cruise ship and be left alone in his company without people wanting to engage in conversation with him.
Someone who cannot go to the toile in a public house without someone saying to him " I hope you are a true Scot"
Yes life in the kilt is divisive, hazardous, adventurous, sociable, never being left alone, people giving you side glances, admiring smiles, having to have conversations with strangers in a lift or escalator.
Why do we bother?

Why do we bother? Frankly, for those outwith Scotland, I have no idea!

If you are wanting to find a reason why Highland Scots prefer to wear the kilt above the Highland line then, this is it. Well said Jimmy! The kilt is understood by the locals and not one justification, not one explanation, not one defensive thought, not even a flattering comment is required, as the kilt is part and parcel of Highland Scotland, or perhaps these days in most of Scotland as well.

Interestingly, there is a suspicion of a trend starting in the Highlands where the locals are choosing to wear the kilt less as they do not want to be viewed as tourists in their own country.( See the thread:"Two Telling Comments")

I have said it before here and will say it again. I think anyone wearing the kilt out of its natural surroundings is asking for trouble, snide comments, frowns et al from all directions when they wear the tartan kilt and the Utilikilt style of kilt is only making the matter worse in some people's eyes and minds. Wearing the tartan kilt poorly cannot help either. And yes, there are parts of Scotland still, where the tartan kilt-------and those wearing it----- are regarded with suspicion. I take my hat off to all who do wear the kilt outwith its natural surroundings who may even get a kick out of doing so. But for certain sure, I am not prepared to make that sort of higher profile of myself. Besides I don't have to, I very rarely wear the kilt outwith the Highlands.