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18th May 25, 05:03 AM
#11
 Originally Posted by SoulFyre777
One thing that I think has jaded the way I see wearing the kilt in Scotland are the tourists where I come from in Nashville, Tennessee...if someone passes by in a cowboy hat in Nashville, the locals turn to each other with a knowing glance, a shake of the head, and mumble “…tourist”.
Exactly! Growing up people wore "western wear" or elements of it as a matter of course. I generally wore cowboy boots and hat (and spent some time on horseback too). It's easy to spot the tourists because they're not wearing it as everyday clothing but as a sort of 'fancy dress'.
 Originally Posted by SoulFyre777
I can’t help but feel reticent to add to the image of “out-of-towners” chasing a fantasy of Scotland.
My wife and I have travelled quite a bit in Britain and we do our best to fly under the radar. What we dread most is being The Ugly American.
Which is one reason I've never considered taking a kilt on our trips. (The huge amount of precious space Highland Dress would take up in my suitcase is the other. We travel light, one carryon apiece for a two-week holiday.)
When I have brought Highland Dress to Scotland is on trips with a Pipe Band. Your typical Pipe Band person doesn't like wearing the band kit so none of us wear it unless we're required to, when competing at a Games or performing (Piping Live in Glasgow).
I've told the story about how I was caught out by a local. We had just performed in George Square.

The locals seem to enjoy seeing Pipe Bands from Italy, Brazil, and yes even California.
When our performance was done I had to walk back to our accomodation. On the way, a block from George Square, in full kit and pipes in hand, I was approached by a Glaswegian matron.
"WHERE are you FROM?" she demanded.
"California."
"I THOUGHT so!" And she strutted off.
Thing is, had she seen us playing she probably would have enjoyed it. But in isolation I must of appeared the very tourist, carrying around a cheap Pakistani bagpipe I'd just bought in a tat shop. (My century-old Glasgow-made pipes did feel insulted.)
Your situation is entirely different- you're living there.
Honestly I'm not sure what I would do in your position. I suppose I'd treat Highland Dress as I do here, something I wear to Highland Games or piping or Scottish fiddle concerts or kiltie meetups, or for any event where a level of formality is required (weddings etc) due to me having not owned a suit for most of my adult life.
Last edited by OC Richard; 18th May 25 at 05:14 AM.
Proud Mountaineer from the Highlands of West Virginia; son of the Revolution and Civil War; first Europeans on the Guyandotte
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19th May 25, 04:10 AM
#12
I think the World has shrunk a tad! Yes, Yes, we all know that! But there is more. By that I mean International travel is open to many more internationally and the internet has helped hugely too. This website is a fine example of International discussion on kilt matters and on the whole it must help potential international travellers to plan their routes and attire choices more effectively. And........
This particular thread is a perfect example of this. Yes for certain sure, minor local details may be missed and even misunderstood in a broader discussion and whilst those from afar who have taken the trouble to learn the general and local "do's and dont's" it is only when immersing yourself within the community for quite some time does the opportunity to observe, learn and understand the finer points of the local society's requirements.
It is these finer points and minor details that are so often misunderstood or missed by those from afar. Its a World wide problem.
" Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the adherence of idle minds and minor tyrants". Field Marshal Lord Slim.
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19th May 25, 05:10 AM
#13
Kilted in Scotland
As Troglodyte mentioned that men in Scotland wear kilts "to weddings, ceilidhs, gatherings and games - or the footie." I'd like to ask if it would make sense that you perhaps might wear the kilt to events where the kilt is considered more the convention? At least at first, and then branch out to other occasions as you feel more comfortable.
I would also like to ask; what is a "footie?"
Cheers,
David
"The opposite of faith is not doubt. Doubt is central to faith. The opposite of faith is certainty."
Ken Burns
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19th May 25, 06:27 AM
#14
 Originally Posted by kiltedsawyer
I would also like to ask; what is a "footie?"
Cheers,
David
The footie is referring to football (soccer).😉
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19th May 25, 07:25 AM
#15
 Originally Posted by kiltedsawyer
As Troglodyte mentioned that men in Scotland wear kilts "to weddings, ceilidhs, gatherings and games - or the footie." I'd like to ask if it would make sense that you perhaps might wear the kilt to events where the kilt is considered more the convention? At least at first, and then branch out to other occasions as you feel more comfortable.
I would also like to ask; what is a "footie?"
Cheers,
David
We must not forget that the kilt is worn on occasion-------quite often by some------ for no reason at all. Just like I am at the moment!
" Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the adherence of idle minds and minor tyrants". Field Marshal Lord Slim.
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19th May 25, 01:43 PM
#16
I'm just catching up on this interesting thread.
I can relate as I'm American, and also from Texas - one of the handful of places in America that people in other countries have actually heard about. As such, our stereotypes are often why they know about it 
In the cities there really aren't many people who wear boots and hats. A few, maybe........ But there are still genuine cowboys that wear that "costume" every day. Its just normal clothing in rural parts of the state, and perhaps many other places in the West and South.
I can also relate because I plan to visit Scotland in the near future, and really wanted to wear my kilts to at least some of the places we plan to visit. I figured dinner would be a good occasion, and I thought distilleries would also be well suited. Although distilleries would doubtlessly be filled with 100% tourists.
As OP will be living in Scotland, I expect that after perhaps an initial visit to some typical tourist spots, he and his family will probably not have to worry too much about being confused for a tourist in their normal, everyday life. Probably don't see many tourists at the grocery store or normal restaurants. 
What about a golf course ? I've never golfed in a kilt, but wondered of all the usual places you might see a man in a kilt, is a golf course one of them ? Pockets are extremely handy for golf, so perhaps simple logistics would make it impractical. Anxious to see what y'all think.....
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19th May 25, 02:16 PM
#17
 Originally Posted by Jock Scot
We must not forget that the kilt is worn on occasion-------quite often by some------ for no reason at all. Just like I am at the moment! 
Totally agree. The kilt can be worn when the occasion is appropriate or something that you just decide to wear on the day.
Much the same as any other item of clothing in that respect.
Janner52
Exemplo Ducemus
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19th May 25, 04:11 PM
#18
 Originally Posted by kiltedsawyer
I would like to ask what is a "footie?"
It's like this

As you see the essential elements are, in this order
1) alcohol
2) Scotland shirt
3) kilt
4) outlandish hat
Last edited by OC Richard; 19th May 25 at 04:13 PM.
Proud Mountaineer from the Highlands of West Virginia; son of the Revolution and Civil War; first Europeans on the Guyandotte
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19th May 25, 04:55 PM
#19
 Originally Posted by CBH
I'm just catching up on this interesting thread.
................
What about a golf course ? I've never golfed in a kilt, but wondered of all the usual places you might see a man in a kilt, is a golf course one of them ? Pockets are extremely handy for golf, so perhaps simple logistics would make it impractical. Anxious to see what y'all think.....
Errrrr be careful. I am no golfer, so I can’t speak of personal experience, but a well respected American member here on this website, a keen golfer, some time ago, tried to Tee off on one of THE famous golf courses here wearing his kilt. He was asked to change into trousers before taking his first stroke.
Just saying.
Last edited by Jock Scot; 19th May 25 at 09:19 PM.
Reason: Found my glasses,
" Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the adherence of idle minds and minor tyrants". Field Marshal Lord Slim.
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19th May 25, 05:55 PM
#20
 Originally Posted by Jock Scot
Errrrr be careful. I am no golfer, so I can’t speak of personal experience, but a well known American member here on this website, a keen golfer, some time ago, tried to Tee off on one of THE famous golf courses here wearing his kilt. He was asked to change into trousers before taking his first stroke.
Just saying.
No kidding !!!!!
Wow...............THAT I did not expect............
Maybe he'll see this and reply. Welcome any additional advice as well.
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