Kilted in TN (picture, too)

[davedove]

I'll try to not pass too much judgement about it, but where I live is a fiercely conservative and small (minded) town in East TN. It seems I have to shrug off a lot to wear my kilt every other week or so, but surely someone here understands the way that Scotland has spoken to my heart.

That's a shame considering how much of the Smokies region was settled by Scots. I was in the Smokies last fall (granted the touristy areas) and the only comments I got were people asking me about the tartan and telling me about theirs. Although they weren't wearing a kilt, they liked mine. The waitress at the restaurant in Pigeon Forge commented that there was a gentleman from Scotland (he had moved to the area) in the other room who never wore a kilt. I didn't meet him, but he did wave to me through the window. I also met an elderly woman in the park who was from Scotland, and she told me how well I was wearing my kilt.

[Roan Carter]

That's a shame considering how much of the Smokies region was settled by Scots. I was in the Smokies last fall (granted the touristy areas) and the only comments I got were people asking me about the tartan and telling me about theirs. Although they weren't wearing a kilt, they liked mine. The waitress at the restaurant in Pigeon Forge commented that there was a gentleman from Scotland (he had moved to the area) in the other room who never wore a kilt. I didn't meet him, but he did wave to me through the window. I also met an elderly woman in the park who was from Scotland, and she told me how well I was wearing my kilt.

Shame indeed. My family tries to maintain traditions of the region. My mother plays the dulcimer.

I go to Gatlinburg every summer to this Celtic shop in a part called The Village to get my shirts and things, it's just beyond Pigeon Forge. I'm glad that the people you met were so positive about your kilt!

[andyfg]

Welcome Roan,

You will find a lot of support in the forum. It is very helpful to know that there are lots of folk our there who take delight in wearing the kilt. Not always easy when some folk are narrow minded, but here you will always find help and support . . . and a good laugh!

Enjoy!

[auld argonian]

Cheer up, lad....I live in Chicago and (besides kilts) I often wear either a grey "hoodie" or a baseball jacket with big maple leafs and "CANADA" written across in lage red letters..this usually prompts some dUckhead or another to yell something like: "Hey...go back to Canada! This is America!". Now I am a US citizen but I've been to Canada many times and I really love the place...hence the big ole "Canada" stuff...which is by way of saying that no matter where you go (with the possible exception of Venice, California) SOMEBODY is going to give you grief for dressing out of the "norm".

Of course this is THE kilted support group...the kilt is the norm in this company. So kilt on!

Best

AA

[Robin]

Welcome Roan!

[Big Paul]

Welcome to the forum! Part of growing up is making decisions for your self... You have made some strong ones! BRAVO!!

[sorcererdale]

Welcome Roan. I like that name, any history to it?

Wear your kilt with pride and if need be, give a brief history lesson of kilts and possible Scots who have settled your area before to those who just don't get it. Seeing something different enough times can sometimes become the "norm." So wear your kilt as often as you can, and at least you can be happy and free!

DALE.

[NewKilt]

Welcome to XMarks, Roan. The more you wear your kilt in your town, the sooner people will become accustomed to it.

Darrell

[McRod]

Welcome to X Marks Roan. Sorcererdale's thread said it all. Wear your Kilt with pride and people will accept you for yourself. I became fully Kilted [totaly traditional] at the age of 19, [now 61 ],so don't let a few narrow minded people put you off. It's your life and live it Kilted.

[Pour1Malt]

hallo there Roan ma lad!

glad ya ganged tigither wi this rabble o' kilties....


keep in mind an auld Scots sayin';


"dinnae let the bastids get ya doon!"