The World Famous Scottish DressFor most people what immediately springs to mind is the kilt, usually worn with all the accessories, but wait a moment Isn't that Highland Dress? Before the early 19th century the kilt was indeed Highland Dress, and people living in the Lowlands of Scotland would not have dreamt of wearing it. In fact before the battle of Culloden in 1745, most Scottish Lowlanders felt nothing but fear and mistrust towards the Highlanders, and their kilts were seen as a primitive form of dress. Most of lowland Scotland identified with England, and the Highlands were seen as hostile and dangerous. So what happened to make the kilt not only Highland Dress but Scottish Dress? Well in 1822 King George IV made a state visit to Scotland, with the aim of increasing his popularity North of the border. The pageantry was very well staged by Sir Walter Scott, who at that time had written a novel romanticising the Scottish Highlands and its culture. The king was seen in full Highland Dress (Royal Stewart tartan), and most of the Lowland Gentry were persuaded to wear kilts, thus establishing Highland Dress across Scotland. And today the kilt is firmly established as Scotland's National Dress. If you look at the history of the kilt in the Scottish military, you will see that the army played a very significant role in assuring the kilt's survival, after its use had been banned. Traditionally the Highland regiments have always worn kilts, whereas the Lowland regiments traditionally wear trews, (tartan trousers). Therefor both uniforms are considered Scottish Dress, and both can be seen being worn by the various Scottish units which go to make up the newly formed Royal Regiment of Scotland. Military pipe bands from what were formerly Highland and Lowland regiments both wear the kilt as part of their uniform. Civilian pipe bands So you can see how the Highland Dress evolved to become the most famous National Dress in the world, and it is proudly worn in all parts of Scotland and across the world.
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