Just to make a point, none of the people associated with the Scottish Tartans Authority that I have ever spoken to would have been foolish enough to make the claim that if it is not tartan, it's not a real kilt.

So I think her "friend from work" may have misunderstood something along the line....

Also, the proposed new National Register would have nothing to do with defining what is and is not a real kilt, or even a "real" tartan. It will be more of a reference to help people determine what is and is not an officially sanctioned tartan. However, that doesn't make non-official tartans any less real.

For instance, the Duke of Argyll does not recognize the "Campbell of Argyll" tartan as an official tartan of the clan. So it's not a true Campbell clan tartan. That's good to know, especially if you are a Campbell. However, that doesn't mean that Campbell of Argyll is not a "real" tartan, or if someone has a Campbell of Argyll kilt, it's not a "real" kilt.

It would still be a real kilt, in a real tartan -- just not a clan Campbell tartan.

I have to cringe every time The Scotsman has an article dealing with tartan, and people post their on-line comments on the web. 95% of them are completely off-base, illustrating that most Scots are just as ignorant of tartan-lore as their American counterparts!

My hope is that the establishing of a National Register, and even a Tartan Information Center as I read about recently in The Scotsman will help generate more interest in the history of Highland Dress traditions and result in a better educated public.

Aye,
Matt