Saw this video and figured it was good for a laugh.

[Allan Thomson]

A very interesting video there...

Most interesting is the "middle of the kneecap" which is a bit lower than the longstanding military AND civilian tradition of around the top of the kneecap. I have been noticing that the RRS kilts have been drooping a bit

About the flashes, note that from 1809 up until the 1950s there were five kilted Highland regiments, and they were of two minds concerning flashes.

One way was the one continued by the RRS: having the leading edge of the forward flash come to the imaginary centre-line of the front diamond on the cuff of the diced hose. Or, when selfcoloured hose are worn, to the imaginary centre-line of the leg. (Black Watch, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.)

The other way was to have the leading edge of the front flash come to the edge of the front diamond on the cuff of the diced hose. When wearing selfcoloured hose, using the clock analogy (sorry Dr Jones) the flashes could be thought of as being at the 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions. (Gordon Highlanders, Cameron Highlanders, Seaforth Highlanders.)

The latter way has long been the standard in civilian Highland Dress.

One thing I didn't hear them mention was to wear the kilt centred but you can see that they do.

Time for pictures!

The 1950s, showing both military and civilian kilts worn at the top of the kneecap



The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, showing the wearing of the flashes up to the centre-line of the leg



The Cameron Highlanders, flashes back to the edge of the diamond



With civilians, often a bit further to the side

The second image however is wearing his kilt mid knee and not above it.

Indeed the method I was told from knowledge carried through the family from ex serving relatives about putting on a kilt (kneeling and just letting the bottom touch the floor) gives a mid knee length and not above it. I always used to hike mine up a bit so was just above thr knee.

In the days of the belted plaid the plaid could even end up 3" above the knee.

So perhaps lengths have fluctuated rather than got longer.