Englishman in a Kilt

by Andy Collyer
(Somerset)

I began wearing kilts by accident.

I have always liked the kilt as a garment and always wanted one, but had never had the money (or the guts) to buy one.

I mentioned this one day at work (I teach performing arts) and a colleague disappeared into the costume cupboard and came back with a kilt!

Plain black and not of great quality, but a kilt nonetheless.

I loved it! It was so comfortable to wear and incredibly flattering!

It was then I decided to find a kilt of my own.

Budget is an issue for me, so I bought what has been described on this site as a 'Tartan Skirt' or three.

Since then, I haven't looked back and have now been trouser less for 2 months.

I also enjoy the ritual involved in putting the kilt on, and the accessories that are part of the look, kilt pin, sporran etc.

I love the elegance of the kilt, the way it makes me walk proudly, and the fact that people do look and engage me in conversation.

I have had many, many compliments.

I know that to many Scots, the wearing of the kilt as a kind of fashion item, may seem utterly wrong.

But here's one Englishman who would like to say thank you to Scotland, for the invention of this wonderful item of clothing.