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

[McMurdo]

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]

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]

GREAT article.

[McClef]

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]

[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]

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]

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]

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.

[IEScotsman]

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.

...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.

First of all, this is very well said. It's odd that we even have conversations where the "instant gratification factor" arises. What happened to patience and priority?

Anyway, I agree with McClef that the article failed to address the main point: truth in advertising. Where are the so-called "Scottish kilts" made? If there were tags in them stating "Made in USA" or "Made in Scotland" or "Made in Pakistan", it would do a great service to the consumers so they can make an educated choice.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I, for one, think this Scotsman article is ridiculous. For one thing, it completely misses the main point that was made in the article from the Scottish Tartans Authority.

The STA has nothing against inexpensive kilts. In fact, in a sidebar in the article, they stated so quite plainly, and admitted that there is a place in the market for inexpensive, off-the-peg kilts. Are you going to want to wear one with your Prince Charlie jacket to a wedding? No, of course not. But if you want a kilt to play rugby in, or need a cheap kilt for your kid to wear, it might be just the thing. In fact there are a whole host of reasons why you might decide to buy an inexpensive kilt -- and unless you are a very gullible shopper, you should realize that the quality you get will be much, much less than the higher priced hand tailored kilts.

What the STA's problem is -- and this was explicitly stated in their article -- is that certain merchants are selling "kilts" imported from Asia as "authentic Highland kilts" and misleading the tourists into thinking they are purchasing a genuine made in Scotland product. And this, their main concern, was not even mentioned by the Scotsman article. Not once.

If you are going to attack the STA's position, at least attack their actual position. Or is journalism in Scotland as bad as it is here in the United States?

The STA is made up largely by members of the tartan weaving industry, it is true. And also quite a number of tartan academics. And it has quite a large individual membership, as well of interested people. And it watches out for the interests of its membership. Why shouldn't it?

Let me put it plainly. The STA is not out to promote one tartan company over another. It's membership is made up of woolen mills that compete with eachother for your business. It's looking out for the tartan industry as a whole.

And if people are led to beleive that some cheap, acryllic, made in Pakistan, machine sewn, ill fitting "kilt" is representative of tke kinds of products that the Scottish woolen mills and kilt making firms are producing, it is quite unfair to their image.

If you go back and read the original STA article again, all it is asking is that you call a spade a spade. If the kilt was made in Scotland, then label it made in Scotland. If it was made in China, then you should be required to label it as such. A lot of people who buy the cheap kilts in question are doing so as a souvenier of their time spent in Scotland. They have the right to know that the "kilt" they just bought was not made in the country and does not represent "authentic Highland" dress, despite what is claimed on the label.

Aye,
Matt