Another protectionist kilt article from "The Scotsman"

[Lallans]

I say that all dyes must be made from native materials gathered by hand by crofter women and the cloth must be from yarn spun by hand and woven in one-yard hand powered looms only in the day time or by candlelight. Tallow candles.

The three buckles in question must be hammered from sterling silver by silversmiths based only north of Edinborough. They must burn only briarwood and heather flowers to heat the metal. The buckle straps must be made from the top hides of Highland Cattle that are driven to market along an unpaved high road on an authentic market day.

Seriously, no harm in encouraging local artisans of quality, but the principles even as given in The Scotsman would ensure kilts remain a very elite garment indeed in Scotland. But that may be what most Scots want.

EDIT PS: Jock, I typed up this sass before I saw your post as above.

[tulloch]

I say that all dyes must be made from native materials gathered by hand by crofter women and the cloth must be from yarn spun by hand and woven in one-yard hand powered looms only in the day time or by candlelight. Tallow candles.

The three buckles in question must be hammered from sterling silver by silversmiths based only north of Edinborough. They must burn only briarwood and heather flowers to heat the metal. The buckle straps must be made from the top hides of Highland Cattle that are driven to market along an unpaved high road on an authentic market day.

By Jove! That is good. I do think that room should be made for nickle-plated steel buckles. Do they grow nickle in Scotland?

[Nighthawk]

As my Granny MacLeod used to say- you can't put a German collar on a poodle and call it a shepherd. A kilt is a kilt is a kilt, no matter where it's made or the accent of the person making it. How is a USA Kilts Premiere not a kilt just because Rocky is not Scottish? Or a Tewksbury- is that not a kilt simply because it's made in New Mexico?

[denmcdough]

Or a Tewksbury- is that not a kilt simply because it's made in New Mexico?

OK, Nighthawk, let's get it right...Barb is located in New York! LOL

There are many great kilt makers the world over. Let's not say that a kilt can only come from Scotland.

I agree with many here, there's room for cheapo stuff, and quality. It's that way with everything!

[Dale Seago]

By Jove! That is good. I do think that room should be made for nickle-plated steel buckles. Do they grow nickle in Scotland?

Well, they at least USED it back in the day. Alloyed with copper. We refer to that alloy as nickel silver; back then they referred to it as "German silver".