American tourists in Scotland

[guitarmatt]

This is a question posed to those members that live in Scotland.

How are American tourists seen by the people of the land? If american tourists are kilted, how are they treated? Generalities will be fine. I have a friend planning a trip to Scotland and he wants to know how americans are received. Thanks

Here are a few thoughts of mine as an American who's lived in Edinburgh for 4 years now. Not all are specifically about kilt wearing, many are just about being an American here in Scotland.

1. People tend to speak more quietly over here than in the States. Pay attention to this and follow the volume of the conversation. It's no point trying not to be a tourist, but it's nice to not be an obnoxious tourist. By the way, this isn't just for Americans, I went up the Wallace monument right in the midst of a group of French high school students, and they were probably the loudest group of people I've ever encountered.

2. Don't worry about being an American, and don't try to hide it. No fake accents. Certainly don't pretend to be Canadian if you're not, as I've heard some people advise. Interestingly, you'll probably find that people ask you if you are Canadian, especially if you followed my first bit of advice. Most Scots seem to know it's better to assume an American's a Canadian than the other way around.

3. Don't be turned off if people seem reserved to the point of being rude, especially in Edinburgh. They're not being rude, they just operate in a different social context than you're used to from the states.

4. Following number 3, don't expect to get any extra attention for wearing your kilt. First off, folk here are less likely to make comments to strangers than in the states. Secondly, Glasgow and Edinburgh, where you'll likely spend a bit of time, are very cosmopolitan cities and you really see all manner of dress. Outfits that seem outlandish in the states often won't stand out at all here.

5. Following from that, people are generally better dressed here than in the states, even young people. Bring along nicer clothes than you'd normally wear for on vacation in America, it'll make your trip a bit classier as well. Don't go all out, but loose jeans+baggy sweater almost always equals American tourist. Don't fall into that trap, unless you really don't mind slumming it.

6. Finally, particularly for kilt wearing, the wind has a mind of its own, especially around corners and intersections. It's not unusual to walk down the street in totally calm air, fight your way through gale force winds at the corner then step back in to perfect calm.

7. Ah, one last one. When you're in Edinburgh take the time to peek into every close and wynd off the Royal Mile. You won't offend anyone and will find some truly remarkable little gems that don't show up in any of the guide books.

8. Or maybe one more. Stop in St Giles Cafe across the street from St Giles for a good lunch in a classy environment. Get your whisky at Royal Mile Whiskies, also across from St Giles. The best coffee is at Artisan Roast on Broughton Street, about a 5 minute walk from Waverly station. And Starbucks is better here than in the states, in my opinion, with a good light menu and free wifi if you get a Starbucks card, and some of the best views of the castle on Princess Street.