American in Scotland

**KiltedDawg** · 27th February 09, 08:00 PM

My question is how would wearing a casual PV kilt be taken? I'm re-walking the West Highland Way this summer and was considering bringing a USAK casual or semi-trad to wear in the evenings after we've settled in for the night. What is the preception of these type kilts in Scotland? Would this be viewed as a "poser" or such since it is not a proper wool tartan and worn in such a casual manner?

**SteveB** · 27th February 09, 09:55 PM

It has been over forty years since I lived a year in Scotland. As a teen, I had the opportunity to be an exchange student in Scotland. I did bring my kilted kit, but only wore it a few times. Mostly in the required kit for school and neatly attired when out and about with my "family". The times kilted were to a family wedding, a funeral, and some other very special events. I am still in touch with the family. Their daughter had come to the States in my place, and lived with my family. There were many cultural surprises on both sides. I am blessed by that year to be very open minded about others culture.
I do plan a return to Scotland in the next few years. When I am there the Highland kit will be worn with proper respect to its heritage. I will not be bringing with me any self coloured canvas or cotton pleated quasi-kilt like garments. I intend to leave my casual tartan kilts at home as well.
While in the Highlands, I will be only wearing the one tartan. I appreciate the comments that Jock Scot has posted on this forum concerning the wearing of the kilt, as they are from the eyes of a native Scot.
Slainte

**Jock Scot** · 27th February 09, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by KiltedDawg

My question is how would wearing a casual PV kilt be taken? I'm re-walking the West Highland Way this summer and was considering bringing a USAK casual or semi-trad to wear in the evenings after we've settled in for the night. What is the preception of these type kilts in Scotland? Would this be viewed as a "poser" or such since it is not a proper wool tartan and worn in such a casual manner?

I don't think many Scots would know what a casual PV kilt is, I have never seen one other than in pictures. I don't know at what time of year you last walked the West Highland Way, but summer is prime midgie time, they can make life hell! USAK casual?Semi trad? I am sorry most of us have never seen one!If they are tartan and worn well I shouldn't think that we would notice. Besides us locals are almost outnumbered by visitors. Don't worry about it ,it's no big deal anyway, just come and enjoy yourself.

**cessna152towser** · 28th February 09, 03:02 AM

Casual kilts are certainly quite popular with the younger age group, would be ideal for hiking or for wearing in the bar at the end of the day's hike.
I own a USAK semi-trad. I have worn it as a casual kilt and have also worn it to church service here in Scotland.

**Jock Scot** · 28th February 09, 04:33 AM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

Casual kilts are certainly quite popular with the younger age group, would be ideal for hiking or for wearing in the bar at the end of the day's hike.
I own a USAK semi-trad. I have worn it as a casual kilt and have also worn it to church service here in Scotland.

You may be dead right for your part of Scotland, Alex. They have yet to reach this part of the highlands or any parts of Scotland that I have been to. Just a thought and to make sure. What is a UK semi trad, by the way? It may be that I am not seeing what is in front of my eyes! The kilts that I see are all traditional and as far as I am aware, that is all I have seen apart from pictures.

**cessna152towser** · 28th February 09, 05:17 AM

USAK semi-trad Hunting MacLeod pleated to the yellow stripe.

**Jock Scot** · 28th February 09, 05:50 AM

Thanks Alex.Are they made of wool? Well, I have to admit that from afar, particularly if a covering at the waist was worn, then yes, I could have assumed it was a tank. So yes, I probably have seen them up in the highlands worn by visitors. Again, I have to admit that I thought you were going to show me one of those modern cut, plain coloured things with pockets etc. that is called a kilt because no one can find another definition for them. I can't either,by the way. (Jock now prepares to be shot!). Anyway those modern kilt things are most cerainly not worn by the locals and I most certainly have never seen one of those worn up here.As to the Semi trad that you have shown in the picture,I know of no locals that own one-----yet?

**shawhighlander** · 28th February 09, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

(Jock now prepares to be shot!)

BANG! BANG!!

Gotcha
haha

ith:

You mean this?

**cessna152towser** · 1st March 09, 12:24 PM

Jock, the USA kilts semi-trad is hand made and made to measure and looks very much like a traditional Scottish kilt but it is eight yards of Polyviscose and no wool which makes it cheaper to buy.

**Jock Scot** · 1st March 09, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

Jock, the USA kilts semi-trad is hand made and made to measure and looks very much like a traditional Scottish kilt but it is eight yards of Polyviscose and no wool which makes it cheaper to buy.

Thanks Alex. Yes they do look very much like a traditional kilt and I am impressed and wiser. They do not seem to be as high around the bottom of the rib gage as a traditional kilt, which might make wearing a waistcoat and jacket a bit tricky(the dreaded gap thing) , but for the price it's got to be a thought for anyone to consider buying. I am unsure that I would want 8 yards of synthetic material wrapped around me though.