So here are the classic questions Americans have about kilts in Scotland...
Do Scottish people wear kilts regularly?
Do Scottish men wear kilts everyday?
How often do Scots wear kilts?
Is it still illegal to wear a kilt in Scotland? (yes really)
We seem to be a bit nervous about it all, don't we? The answer is essentially that kilts are not worn as commonly in Scotland as they may be in the former British Colonies. This is what we call the "Passion of the Diaspora."
Regular or even daily kilt wearing IS on the rise in Alba, but the kilt is still thought of by most people as a special occasion garment.
Does this mean you should not wear your kilt if you visit? No, of course not. However you should expect certain consequences and reactions. The main one being that locals are very likely to guess right off the bat that you are a tourist. This is NOT a problem so long as you are behaving politely, showing respect for people, places and things. Nobody wants to be an "ugly American" after all.
It's our experience that kilt-wearing travelers going to Scotland are in fact some of the best ambassadors. They come to the country in awe of what it contains and it's palpable history. They are prepared to engage rather than view it as some sort of amusement park.
The pitfall, as many have noted, is that excited tourists seeking a connection to history or their own personal connection to it can sometimes put Scotland in a mental box. It's easy to have a fantasy of Scotland that is disconnected from the reality of the modern nation and the lives of real people living there now.
Locals may not care nearly as much about local historical events or sites and you do. They may not know their Clan, or even have one, or even care. Meanwhile, the fantasy of Scotland is what guidebooks and tour companies will try to sell you. The worst thing you can do therefore, is to assume parity with random people you meet.
So what should you do to prepare? A bit of pop culture and news homework is a great idea. Don't just concentrate on Clan lineage, great battles, heroes and villains, landscapes and castles. Spend some time reading up on recent history and current events. Watch some Scottish news, watch some Scottish TV shows and sports, that sort of thing. It is very easy to do in the age of RU-vid and streaming media. From months before you plan to leave...to the moment you get off the plane, aspire to be a Sincere Student of Scotland. All of it.
Above all when you arrive, keep an open mind and a relaxed demeanor. Be patient with unexpected events. Check yourself if you sense you are having a wee bit of culture shock or frustration. And if you are, take some time out. And of course, always project cheerfulness and calm. Calm and bit of reserve are especially important. As the kids say - be chill. When it's a good time to show your enthusiasm, you'll know. But never force your enthusiasm on others.
The fringe benefit of this homework and mental conditioning is that your experience will be much richer. You may win friends and have surprise experiences you never could have predicted.
Will they know you're a tourist with your kilt and camera? Of course. Will they think you're the best tourist they've ever met? That's up to you.
Tartans of the day:
Rocky: Federal Memorial
Mac: Stewart Hunting Ancient
Lucas: County Kildare Crest
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1 окт 2024