Share your kilt reaction stories

**OC Richard** · 1st March 26, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by CBH

I am genuinely shocked. You're the last person on this board I expected that from.

One of the main things that's kept us happy through 38 years of marriage is that we give each other space to do our own things, and also respect each other's opinions and attitudes.

She feels that wearing a kilt when it's not specifically called for brings undue attention, something anathema to her; in public settings she wants to fly under the radar. She's the quiet one in the corner nobody notices.

This has worked well for us on our several travels to the UK. She dreads being "the ugly American".

Imagine her horror when, in a small shop in Edinburgh, an enormous fat loud Texan barged in, complete with cowboy hat, fancy boots, huge shiny ornate oval belt buckle, and pudgy fingers dripping with big gaudy rings.

Luckily there was a back door through which we made our hasty escape.

(And no, I wouldn't dream of taking a kilt on a Scotland holiday. I have done on Pipe Band trips of course.)

**Jock Scot** · 2nd March 26, 02:47 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

One of the main things that's kept us happy through 38 years of marriage is that we give each other space to do our own things, and also respect each other's opinions and attitudes.

She feels that wearing a kilt when it's not specifically called for brings undue attention, something anathema to her; in public settings she wants to fly under the radar. She's the quiet one in the corner nobody notices.

This has worked well for us on our several travels to the UK. She dreads being "the ugly American".

Imagine her horror when, in a small shop in Edinburgh, an enormous fat loud Texan barged in, complete with cowboy hat, fancy boots, huge shiny ornate oval belt buckle, and pudgy fingers dripping with big gaudy rings.

Luckily there was a back door through which we made our hasty escape.

(And no, I wouldn't dream of taking a kilt on a Scotland holiday. I have done on Pipe Band trips of course.)

I quite understand your post in its entirety, OCR. That is why I rarely wear the kilt outwith Scotland. I have occasionally , but I pick the occasion very rarely and very carefully.

**jsrnephdoc** · 6th March 26, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I quite understand your post in its entirety, OCR. That is why I rarely wear the kilt outwith Scotland. I have occasionally , but I pick the occasion very rarely and very carefully.

Perhaps you fear that (if visiting in the US), wearing a kilt might brand you as a "true 'AmUrican', costuming up. For me, kilts have COMPLETELY replaced "business" and formal dress (and, toned casual, for attendance at Highland Games as well). I think I've worn a business suit only once in the past 6 years, (and THAT was so that I wouldn't steal attention from the elegantly clad piper I obtained for a dear friend's graveside service in LA.

And, during my most recent visit to Scotland, I followed the same rubric. That's worked fine on BOTH sides of the pond. For me, the biggest problem traveling with an intent to wear my family colors is that once one adds the sporran, hose, bonnet, and metal bits, the suitcase gets heavy.

**Jock Scot** · 6th March 26, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by jsrnephdoc

Perhaps you fear that (if visiting in the US), wearing a kilt might brand you as a "true 'AmUrican', costuming up. ............

In a very long life, I have never had the urge to travel to the USA and should the urge suddenly arise to visit, with the greatest of respect, I would absolutely not wear the kilt in the USA and rarely outwith the UK and more probably, not outwith Scotland.