In Scotland is it okay to carry a broadsword with Highland wear?

**User** · 30th April 26, 10:18 AM

I read that a Scottish man was arrested in Glasgow for carrying a sgian dubh, dirk, and broadsword with his Highland wear.

Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 Section 49(5)(c) says you can have an article with a blade or point in public if it's part of a national costume.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/39/section/49

I've always heard the law above protects carrying a sgian dubh. But, I've never thought about dirks or broadswords. Regardless of what the written law says (courts can sort that out), I'm interested in whether the average Scot believes carrying a dirk is permitted. If yes, then about about a broadsword?

**Jock Scot** · 30th April 26, 02:29 PM

Let me first make this perfectly clear, I am not a legal man. Generally speaking the police, in the UK are not impressed with those who carry sharp pointy things about their person, without good reason. Anything with, I think, a blade more than three inches long is regarded with great suspicion by the police and could well be illegal....... even if it was "National attire".

I think it's an accepted practice that a kilted gentleman carrying a SD in his hose top would in most circumstances get a free pass. However, carrying a SD to a football/rugby match, for example would not be sensible and I think the police could well take action if they spotted it. Generally, swords and Dirks are not everyday kilt attire and unless you had a VERY good reason for carrying them, the police would take a VERY dim view and I would certainly expect them to be actively "discourage-ing ",one from carrying them in public.

**User** · Yesterday, 10:49 AM

You've answered my question perfectly, thank you. Reading the law is one thing. Knowing the feel of it is another, and that's what I'm curious about.

If I'm ever blessed with the opportunity to visit Scotland, and if I opt to bring my kilt, I doubt I'd wear my sgian dubh. I prefer to be extra cautious and considerate when visiting someone else's nation.

**Jock Scot** · Yesterday, 11:29 AM

Bring your SD if you wish and just be sensible with it. By that I mean, don't take it out and brandish it about in public. Common sense really. In truth, in a fairly long life, I don't think that I have ever seen anyone do so in the UK. In fact they(SD's) are really not as a big deal that many outwith Scotland seem to have for them.