Do Scotsmen REALLY wear the kilt?

[Carolina Kiltman]

But scotch is a type of whisky! There can be no argument there. So, why would you use the term scotch to describe whisky "only if you must"??? What term would you call a Scottish malt spirit other than scotch?

And to get that designation, needs to meet some very specific criteria. See the following link: http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/swa/21.html

[McClef]

My experience of seeing everyday kilt wearing in Scotland has been very limited.

We do have the honourable exceptions such as our Scotland resident members but most Scots, alas, do not see it as an everyday garment and it remains a rarity.

When I was a student at St Andrews you normally saw them worn in force only on Sundays and at various student dances and balls. I don't even remember seeing many at my graduation.

When I revisited St Andrews in May last year it was finals exam season and I only saw a couple of students who were kilted.

Tourists have the common misconception that cities such as Edinburgh will have a fair sprinkling of kilts in the streets and if they are lucky enough to see one will want a photograph. That's even harder now the City Council has come down on the busking pipers.

But they can always be guaranteed on a Dumfries Kilt Nicht Oot!

[Cavebear58]

What is needed is for those retailers to promote the teaming of ordinary, everyday shirts and footwear with their kilts. This would demonstrate to the uninitiated just how good/kewl the kilt can look when worn as a day-to-day garment.

Totally agree, Hamish. That was my point in another thread, which got a bit rubbished. I get a great catalogue frequently from John Norris in Penrith. It has lots of interesting outfits for the Huntin', Shootin', and Fishin' fraternity and while I don't endorse any of these activities, the kit is good for the great outdoors. It's a shame they don't embrace the kilt too as a viable outdoor clothing option.

All the best
Graham.

[Cavebear58]

But scotch is a type of whisky! There can be no argument there. So, why would you use the term scotch to describe whisky "only if you must"??? What term would you call a Scottish malt spirit other than scotch?

Oh dear. Scotch is indeed a type of whisky, some would say others are imitators, but anything originating from Scotland is Scottish or Scots. Unless he was going out with a bottle at the time!

All the best
Graham.

[cavscout]

Here is a good thread with some thoughts on why the kilt is not so common in Scotland

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/w...ht=bash+haggis

[DWFII]

But scotch is a type of whisky! There can be no argument there. So, why would you use the term scotch to describe whisky "only if you must"??? What term would you call a Scottish malt spirit other than scotch?

I think there's whiskey what gets lumped under the term "Scotch" that may not even be Scots. That may be why. And many who prefer single malt simply say "malt," or "single malt" rather than Scotch--it is, in some peoples' minds (mine included), a valid distinction.

[DWFII]

Here is a good thread with some thoughts on why the kilt is not so common in Scotland

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/w...ht=bash+haggis

Maybe the real question ought to be why is the kilt so popular in the US?

[ThistleDown]

I think there's whiskey what gets lumped under the term "Scotch" that may not even be Scots. That may be why. And many who prefer single malt simply say "malt," or "single malt" rather than Scotch--it is, in some peoples' minds (mine included), a valid distinction.

In the UK so-called "Scotch" is referred to simply as "whisky". All other "whiskey" (note the added "e") is called by names such as Rye, Bourbon, Irish, Canadian, etc. If you ask for a whisky in Scotland (and in some other parts of the world such as B.C.) you will receive the blend (of Scotch) the publican prefers, or he will ask if you have a preference. If you ask for Scotch you will, in some parts, receive a blank look. Don't take that too seriously, just smile and correct your terminology.

[Sionnach]

Maybe the real question ought to be why is the kilt so popular in the US?

DWFII- that is a good question and maybe shouod be posed as another thread.

[DWFII]

In the UK so-called "Scotch" is referred to simply as "whisky". All other "whiskey" (note the added "e") is called by names such as Rye, Bourbon, Irish, Canadian, etc. If you ask for a whisky in Scotland (and in some other parts of the world such as B.C.) you will receive the blend (of Scotch) the publican prefers, or he will ask if you have a preference. If you ask for Scotch you will, in some parts, receive a blank look. Don't take that too seriously, just smile and correct your terminology.

What kind of reaction would you get if you asked for a single malt by name...ie. Laphroig 15 or Bruichladdich? Or would it depend on the region...Islands, Highlands, lowlands, etc?