Well Blu, you really put me on the spot! I have an idea that the details of Scotland's traditions such as the kilt is something that many Scots living there acknowledge but would prefer to forget. Sort of "that's where we came from and how we were, but not the way we are now!" At the same time the younger generation over there, if they think about it at all, regard the old traditions as being quaint maybe even a source of embarrassment. And like it or not, it seems to be the younger generation these days who set the trends. Another two examples which to my mind illustrate that ominous things are afoot:- I read somewhere that at a highland gathering in Scotland, many of the visitors/participants from abroad were kilt-clad. The at-home Scots objected to this and had to be slapped down! Recently I put on a chat-room in my home town my same question about how the kilt would be accepted there. There were quite a few replies but it went directly into discussions on the kilt in general. None of them took the question headon and gave an opinion. Now that in itself is weird and hints at some kind of,........ what would you call it? Problem. It is very true what has already been said by many and that is that the really true Scots are those who are generations removed and living around the world. Also the ex-patriot Scots who are a different creature entirely from their fellows they left behind. In my estimation it is the Scots abroad, (that is out of Scotland) the folks of Scottish heritage living around the world who are now carrying the torch, and I for one am thankful for that. The blood is strong! Well there you go Blu,- tell me if I'm blethering or not! - Longforgan