The Royal Mile

[wildrover]

It makes me think of a battleship.

May I assume that Scottish politicking is a lively business?

AA, that's a great idea. BTW, what's "tat"?

[Spc. Scott]

Not sure how much it might help you but I found this to be a pretty neat little guide.

http://www.edinburgh-royalmile.com/c...le-closes.html

[Radge]

The situation with people flogging tourist tat (cheap, tacky goods) in UK Cities is not confined to Edinburgh, infact, I reckon 'Auld Reekie' has got off lighter than most (although I find my teeth audibly grinding when I spy the aforementioned cheap rubbish, and I would have the tat-monger shop owner arrested for crimes against good taste and Scottish culture ). But don't stick to the typical tourist trails (by all means do them first and foremost) get out and about, Edinburgh is an accessible city as it's quite wee. The Scottish Tourist Board is spot on, as tourism is one of Scotland's main money-spinners, so use them to find the good-stuff out there.

Don't expect to see that many natives kilted. 'Everyday' cheaper kilts are not big business in Scotland at present. The kilt is viewed as a serious bit of clothing by most and for special occasions (as an 8-yard heavyweight as most of this site know ain't cheap) and wouldn't likely be worn whilst nippin' oot for a fish supper or to see Hibs banjo the Jambo's. To be fair this is the attitude I had before I came across this site!

P.S.the Parliament building was designed by a Catalan architect (????), not a Scot (?????), and the design was approved democratically by about half a dozen suits from the Goverment including some bizzum who presents a current affairs programme. Mind you they wanted to put a motorway down Princes Street in the '60's

[CameronCat]

Hmmm. This, I find interesting. How times change.

We were in Edinburgh just after the Gathering; stores were open, well-stocked (natch!) and vending many goods of Scottish origin. Some now hang in my closets.

We stayed about a 15 minute bus-ride outside the center, and walked to many pubs and restaurants around the B+B. Kilts were everywhere, although not all tartaned. One night we saw three or five in one pub, and the wearers seemed unaffiliated...i.e, each there on their own, not part of a group or club or whatever.

One gent was plainly on a date; he was kilted but casual, with leather pouches at the waist but no sporran. I noted that only because it was a bit different; not bad, just seldom seen.

I wonder if the recent reports are simply down to it being the "off season" without a lot of tourists.

Just another data point for the great wall chart of life.

JT

[Jordan]

I can understand your frustration and your desire to want to help Scottish industry. But honestly, more law isn't the answer. And such a law would be highly discriminatory anyway... bordering on racist. It would be challenged as such and probably overturned.

If I’m right I think there is or will be a law the same only about whisky, but even if there isnt I think it’s a good idea we need some sort of restrictions at least stopping as much shops selling rubbish. I was in Edinburgh a few weeks ago and my SWK was the most authentic thing in some of 'those' shops

[OC Richard]

...such a law would be highly discriminatory anyway... bordering on racist. It would be challenged as such and probably overturned.

Discriminatory yes, discriminating against kilts, bagpipes, and sporrans (at the very least) which are made outwith the UK.

Racist no. Whether a set of pipes is made in Pakistan or Canada, by a native Pakistani or a white Canadian, it would be illegal to import into the UK for resale under this approach.

The absurdity of having tourists from all over the world come to Scotland to buy Scottish kilts and bagpipes etc, but end up with goods not made in Scotland, I think might be felt by most people.

[wvpiper]

I've seen a video clip of Howie from 21st century kilts discuss the fact he is working on a fix. Here's an article about it

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...ss-789340.html

[McClef]

A "fix" that has been discussed before with many opinions, even from those who produce quality kilts, but outside of Scotland against it as being too Draconian. It would have excluded cloth woven in England even if the kilt were then made in Scotland too.

[wildrover]

From the article:

A typical adult Scottish kilt uses about eight yards of tartan wool and the hem sits just below the knee

[OC Richard]

A "fix" that has been discussed before with many opinions, even from those who produce quality kilts, but outside of Scotland against it as being too Draconian. It would have excluded cloth woven in England even if the kilt were then made in Scotland too.

Yes that does sound too draconian as you say. I would favour a UK approach rather than a Scotland-only approach, though getting London on board with such a thing might be impossible.