Opinion column from the Scotsman: "Kilt police should stop pleating about shops"

**Dreadbelly** · 11th February 07, 12:25 PM

Having attended a friend's wedding in far flung Stornaway, at which donning the full kit and caboodle was more or less obligatory, I discovered that looking smart does not compensate for the scratchy, sweaty, sticky, experience of wearing Highland dress. Give me a lightweight kilt any day.

Funny, I felt that way in troosers... Are 16 ounce wool kilts really that abrasive?

**Randy** · 11th February 07, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Dreadbelly

Funny, I felt that way in troosers... Are 16 ounce wool kilts really that abrasive?

Not to me. But I do use my SWK economy on hot days instead of my dress kilt.

**McMurdo** · 11th February 07, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by Dreadbelly

Funny, I felt that way in troosers... Are 16 ounce wool kilts really that abrasive?

I have never had a problem with 16oz wool.

**SnakeEyes** · 11th February 07, 01:30 PM

I'm glad someone finally pointed out the cost issue. I was thinking about it, but I decided I've already caused to much trouble in my short time here

. But seriously, I can't afford a $600 kilt

.

**Bob C** · 11th February 07, 01:32 PM

GREAT article.

**McClef** · 11th February 07, 01:35 PM

I don't have any problem with 16 oz wool either.

I think the article fails to address the main issue complained of - ie the labelling and have posted the following comment to the page:

"The article fails to address one of the major things complained of - misleading labelling.

"Authentic Highland tartan designed in Scotland" doesn't mean it's made in Scotland and a lot of tourists are under the impression that if it's a kilt that it is.

But it's not only that, it's the instant gratification afforded by the off the peg kilts. Perhaps the more "traditional" shops should be thinking of fighting back on the same terms and offering a range of off the peg, genuine, made in Scotland kilts. Of course they can't compete on price but they can compete on quality and having items that buyers do not have to wait for."

The comment can be seen on http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=220502007#new .

Maybe others would like to add their own comments!

**beverlonian** · 11th February 07, 02:53 PM

[QUOTE=McClef;329270]

But it's not only that, it's the instant gratification afforded by the off the peg kilts. Perhaps the more "traditional" shops should be thinking of fighting back on the same terms and offering a range of off the peg, genuine, made in Scotland kilts. Of course they can't compete on price but they can compete on quality and having items that buyers do not have to wait for."
QUOTE]

I once broke a journey south from Aberdeen to call at Kinloch-Anderson in Leith in order to buy one of their Breacan kilts only to find the range available 'off-the-peg' to be VERY limited and the salesman most unhelpful. Needless to say I'll not be calling there again.

**Warlock** · 11th February 07, 04:21 PM

So whats wrong with a $50.00 kilt, or any kilt under $400.00/ I work hard for the money I get, after taxes, bills, groceries, and neccessities. there is darn little money for frivolities. It must be nice to be wealthy.

**macwilkin** · 11th February 07, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by Beuth Sim

So whats wrong with a $50.00 kilt, or any kilt under $400.00/ I work hard for the money I get, after taxes, bills, groceries, and neccessities. there is darn little money for frivolities. It must be nice to be wealthy.

Not all of us who own "expensive" kilts are "wealthy" either. In my own case, I have saved for my kilts; sure, I don't get the "instant gratification" factor, but as my frugal Scots grandmother always taught me, "good things come to those who wait" and "buy the best so you won't have keep replacing it."

Regards,

Todd

**Mike1** · 12th February 07, 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Not all of us who own "expensive" kilts are "wealthy" either. In my own case, I have saved for my kilts; sure, I don't get the "instant gratification" factor, but as my frugal Scots grandmother always taught me, "good things come to those who wait" and "buy the best so you won't have keep replacing it."

C'mon Todd, when it comes to wealth, we know you're rolling in it.

I agree with what you are saying, but I think that we also might point out that all of the items on our 'Want List' end up being prioritized, as well. There's nothing wrong with a $50 kilt, if that is what you want to wear. Nothing at all. And if you prefer a kilt of a higher quality, then you have to prioritize that desire. If the kilt means that much to you, then you won't spend the cash for that collectible that just popped up for sale, or that new video game you've been wanting, etc.

Using the figures supplied by the U.S. Census, I earn a slightly below-average income. I live in a five year-old home, drive a five year-old vehicle, spent the last eleven years as a single parent and still have the funds to visit Scotland on a fairly regular basis. Yet I managed to save the money for a kilt that cost considerably more than $600. So the concept that only a rich person can afford a higher-quality kilt is just plain silly. It's all about priorities.