Clan tartan ties, unforgivable sin?

[Tobus]

So one could reference such the esteemed gentleman as the 12th Marquis of Huntly and Sir Sean Connery.

One could reference Sir Sean Connery, but to be honest, I wouldn't necessarily hold him as the pinnacle of sartorial elegance when it comes to the kilt. He is a native Scot, yes, but he is not a native Highlander. He was not steeped in kilt-wearing culture or Highland clan matters as he grew up. He puts on the kilt occasionally as a matter of national pride, as many Lowlanders do, without the benefit of knowing the traditions. It shows in the way he wears it. He usually looks like he walked right out of a hire shop.

Now, I respect Sean Connery for many reasons and do not wish to speak ill of the man. He's a treasure. But just because he is a celebrity and a wonderful actor doesn't make him any sort of authority on kilt-wearing. He simply doesn't come from that background. I'm not saying he always gets it wrong. I'm just saying he doesn't always get it right.

As for the Chief of Clan Gordon, he is (or was, I should say) more steeped in the traditions. And he was, quite literally as the Chief, an authority on certain matters of dress pertaining to his clan. Does it mean he should be taken as a golden example of how to wear a kilt and its accessories? Maybe, maybe not. Just because he wears a tartan tie with his kilt doesn't necessarily make it part of the tradition. My only point was that it certainly isn't the sort of thing where people will refuse to be seen with you in public if you do it. But judging by all the other evidence, the wearing of tartan ties with kilts does not seem to be the norm. Rare examples like this are just that: rare.