American tourists in Scotland

[thescot]

Generally they are seen as foreigners, even those who happen to be of Scots descent. An American who wears the kilt in Scotland is usually looked at in the same manner that a Scotsman might be viewed from an American standpoint were he to travel to Texas dressed up in a 10 gallon hat, Western style shirt, dinner-plate size belt-buckle, chaps, cowboy boots and spurs.

My, my. I guess that when I visited Scotland, I really was a foreigner. Afterall, I was not from Scotland. You do make a cogent point.

However, I was treated much more pleasantly than your words would suggest. My acquaintances there always treated me well. I shall be sure not to seek you out on my next visit so that my experiences continue to be pleasant. Assuming, that is, that you actually live in Scotland.

Wearing a kilt is in no way akin to wearing a ten-gallon hat. People in Texas don't wear ten-gallon hats. Or chaps. Or dinner-plate sized belt-buckles. That is a ridiculous comparison that tends to remove any validity from your argument.

But then, I don't really believe that your argument was ever intended to be serious, just insulting.

Since, as pointed out in another post, you have chosen not to introduce yourself or post any relavant detail about yourself on your profile, you might like to do so now. Since your posts tend to be somewhat contentious, bordering on the rude, we would like to know a bit more about so that we can be sure that you are not simply a flamer spreading discontent. It is obvious that you will defend an indefensible position ad absurtum with no concern for facts, logic, or reason, so tell us about yourself. Inquiring minds want to know.

Are you really from Scotland? Where? At least tell us that so that I will personally know where to avoid on my next trip to collect that whisky from Jock Scot.

I will be the fellow in the Robertson tartan drinking Jock Scot's whisky and laughing at people who take themselves seriously.

[thescot]

My intention was not to be insulting, just factual. . . .

Then you missed out. Perhaps you might try again.

As for my identity, that is neither here nor there.

Au contraire, mon frer. It is both here and there. Who one is is everything. Especially if one is going to take others to task and express a level of expertise on any subject. I might offer you my opinions on your need for heart surgery, but, having no expertise or training, you would be well-advised to ignore my words.

And more especially when one enters another's "home" and begins commenting on the furnishings and its occupants, one might think about one's place in the sitting room. Some of us have been here quite some time, and we have come to know each other and understand each other and become something likes friends. And we disagree and argue and make wagers, but we know each other. And the makes it OK.

We are all aware that the kilt is not usually worn in Scotland, but it is worn, and--except for you--my Scot friends have all said that they appreciate an American wearing a kilt in their country. In fact, I have been assured by folks who are not hidden that one is well accepted in a kilt when visiting--with certain caveates.

I think you may be trolling here, so I shall depart form this fray.

[KiltedKnome]

When Steve and I visited Scotland last year from Canada, he wore the kilt 100%. He was definitely noticed (but then, isn't this the goal of all kilt wearers?), but was never treated as an odd ball. Quite a few older women came up to him and complimented him on how he looked, and remarked that they would like to see more men in kilts. Remarkably, most of the people who did approach him were surprised that he was not Scottish. Now, he wore only tartan kilts with knife pleats, so I am not sure what the reaction would have been if he wore a less traditional looking kilt. Also, we did not manage to get to the more northern regions of Scotland, so perhaps the reaction would have been different there.

[Jock Scot]

When Steve and I visited Scotland last year from Canada, he wore the kilt 100%. He was definitely noticed (but then, isn't this the goal of all kilt wearers?), but was never treated as an odd ball. Quite a few older women came up to him and complimented him on how he looked, and remarked that they would like to see more men in kilts. Remarkably, most of the people who did approach him were surprised that he was not Scottish. Now, he wore only tartan kilts with knife pleats, so I am not sure what the reaction would have been if he wore a less traditional looking kilt. Also, we did not manage to get to the more northern regions of Scotland, so perhaps the reaction would have been different there.

I think on the mainland of northern Scotland the reaction will be exactly the same, apart from the midgie season, where wearing the kilt outdoors would be regarded as decidedly foolhardy, nothing would be said as you would find out why, in a very short time! On the Western and Northern Isles the wind is often a problem for kilt wearers of any nation.