American in Scotland

[Jock Scot]

I'd like to wear my Utilikilt while traveling and switch to the family colors when I get there. Think I'll catch hell in that american invention?

You might catch "hell" in certain parts of some cities,but on the whole the Scots are far too polite to say anything. What they may be thinking is entirely another matter!

[cessna152towser]

I'd like to wear my Utilikilt while traveling and switch to the family colors when I get there. Think I'll catch hell in that american invention?

Well I sometimes wear my Utilikilt out and about here in Scotland, and never had any hassle, but when you get talking to Scots people do be prepared for them referring to the Utilikilt as a skirt rather than a kilt.

[Phil]

Wear what you like. As Jock says Scots generally are far too polite to pass comment and I am sure that kilt-wearing attracts more attention for you at home than you will ever get here.

[shawhighlander]

Halo Friends.
I just received a reply from the Director of THE GATHERING about your concerns with advertising and Clan involvement in the Highlands:

"Jonathon, thank you for your observation. Sadly, we have had a very mixed press in The Highlands. We initially received some hard hitting criticism from various "Clan" activists, primarily to do with location and price of attendance. We actually went to the Clans tent at last year's Inverness Highland Games, and addressed their concerns. Whilst we have submitted a good level of press releases to all the Scottish media, including the Highland press, we still have more to do to create greater awareness. Rest assured we will keep promoting the event right up to the night before. As it is, we still maintain that we will get around 20,000 visitors per day, most of whom will come from Scotland."

[Jock Scot]

I went to a local fund raising evening ,last night, at a guess there were about 150 people there. I had a wee job of making a speech to start the proceedings,it was very short and not very good, but I took the opportunity to ask the guests if any of them knew anything about this "homecoming" thing and only one person did, me!

[cessna152towser]

I received my quarterly communique from my clan society on Friday. There is no mention that the gathering is happening, it is not listed among forthcoming events for 2009. Granted the society is not participating in the event but I would have thought there would have at least been some information about the gathering for the benefit of those who might have been interested in attending as individuals.

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

I received my quarterly communique from my clan society on Friday. There is no mention that the gathering is happening, it is not listed among forthcoming events for 2009. Granted the society is not participating in the event but I would have thought there would have at least been some information about the gathering for the benefit of those who might have been interested in attending as individuals.

Alex,

So I take it they are just not going to acknowledge it is even happening now?

Phil C

[Cavebear58]

A properly worn tartan kilt is appreciated by us all in Scotland...

Definitely wear a kilt, but PLEASE note the word "PROPERLY". In my experience, anyone (but especially an American) wearing one improperly is going to attract unwanted scorn.

A few random American spotting clues...

You are unlikely to see a fat Scot over the age of 25 in a cheap printed t-shirt, with white sports socks and trainers, wearing a kilt. Under 25 and not-obese and you could pull it off (so to speak).

You are unlikely to see a Scot in a Jacobite shirt (and those lacy brogues) unless he is working for a cheap retailer on the Royal Mile selling to American tourists.

You are unlikely to see a Scot wearing a flat cap at the same time as a kilt (there's plenty of threads here that make this point).

Other than in rather salubrious parts, you probably won't see much flesh at the same time as the kilt (and, of course, excluding athletes) and I can't say I have ever seen a kilt-wearer with visible tattoos (especially on their calves) (except Naval "other ranks" ones on their lower arms).

Wearing a football shirt with a kilt, does not make you an athlete, and is only really 'normal' when you are in the company of a large number of similarly clad folks (generally with a can in one hand).

Check out 'proper' day wear, for cool spring and autumn nights (when a pullover can be worn) and for hot summer days (when they can't and the choice of shirt is that much more important). A plain shirt and tie with hose up and plain brogues or parade shoes and then you're talking.

Oh, and on the subject of talking... No-one will probably comment on the accent, but if you shout (ie use any more volume than is needed to be heard by someone with perfect hearing) you will be a marked man.

I'm sure others will have a few pointers too!

All the best, Graham.

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

(except Naval "other ranks" ones on their lower arms).

ouch.

I was an NCO and have none of the navy "tough Stickers"...

good to see stereo types are alive and well...

Americans have more than one volume level?

[Kerr the Walker]

Americans have more than one volume level?

Yup. We've got loud and mute.

I try very hard to be soft spoken while traveling overseas (and any other time for the matter of that)