Disclaimer: I am not a historian, This article is based on my own research from various sources, including published historical articles and documentaries. I have compiled this in a succinct format to create an easy read for you to learn something new about the history of different cultures.
The Truth Behind Scottish Kilts
Or should I say under….perhaps less appropriate? If I can give you any advice, do not attempt to look under a kilt. Firstly, it may be quite a shocking sight for those innocent eyes. However, most importantly it is seen as hugely offensive, understandably.
It is said that the Scottish highlanders wore long white shirts. So long, the shirts were often coming down to their knees, below the length of the kilt. The men, possibly annoyed by this would tie the shirt between their legs. This may have been the origin of the lads not wearing their wee undergarments, because, well, they originally didn’t need to.
Why Scotland?
I should begin by saying that I started this section of my blog purely for my own interest in Scottish History. Indeed, in Scotland itself. If I am honest; it is also because of my deep obsession with the historical drama series and book Outlander (You should both watch it and read it for an insight into historical Scotland). Outlander sparked a keen interest to find out more. In addition, I have family born and raised in Scotland and I have visited this intoxicatingly beautiful country throughout my childhood, and into adulthood. I look forward to going back and exploring even more.
My mother was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and my father in Farnborough England. I am sure most of you are aware of the violent history between England and Scotland (freeeeedom). However, a marriage between the 2 nations does not disqualify this topic coming up from my patriotic Scottish Grandfather.
A picture I took in the heart of Scotland: The Queens View, Pitlochry, overlooking the River Tummel.
How Kilts Came to Be
Scottish kilts are notorious for identifying and asserting Scottish pride. However, they were not as we know them today. The kilt dated back to the 16th century when these great kilts' top halves were a type of cloak. Similarly, they can almost be described, as Susan Calman from Secret Scotland put it, as an 'old-fashioned onesie'. If you are eager to find out more secrets about Scotland, you can view a captivating series here.
Additionally, it was one piece of material used as a practical, affordable, and easy-to-construct garment. Therefore, it was perfect for outdoor living in the Scottish highlands. It was weather and lifestyle friendly. These kilts were short-skirted. There would be time spent walking through wet grounds and marshes. Of course, having wet cloth stuck against those strong highland legs was less than ideal.
Who Wore Them and How Did They Wear Them?
These great kilts were exclusively worn by Scottish warriors; they were loose-fitting and could be used as a blanket or sleeping bag of some kind. Conveniently, if the highlanders got stuck on the land they had a 2-in-1 piece of material perfectly made to spend a night in the heather. The material was simply gathered, unsewn, and tied together by a string or belt to form the garment.
This piece of clothing was constructed from wool fabric, which was checked, becoming popularly known as tartan. It is important to note that back then this fabric did not have specific sets of colour for families to claim as their own. This wool was often dyed with various plants and fruit found in the surrounding land. This consisted of berries, mosses, and even bark. This was possibly another benefit to the garment as the warriors could blend in with the natural surroundings.
How a highlander would dress in his kilt and various ways to wear it. Source: The Revolution of the kilt by Mr, Matthew Newsome
The word Kilt is in fact not a Gaelic (Scottish) word. It is derived from the ancient Norse and Danish word 'kjilt' meaning 'tuck up around the body' or 'pleated'. The irony here is that the Norse were uninvited guests to the great land of Scotland. However, the kilt remains a patriotic symbol for the people.
The First Kilt
The kilts as we know them today, where the lower half was separated from the full garment, originated in the early 18th century. This is known as the 'little kilt'. This garment was also unsewn, gathered, and pulled together by a drawstring. One of the earliest dated examples is a military kilt from 1794. This kilt generally used 3 to 4 meters of material compared to the 6.5 to 7.5 meters used today.
A military kilt of 1794. Source: Collectors Weekly: True Kilts
Scotland and England
As mentioned England and Scotland have had quite a history. Most of you may have heard of the Jacobites (supporters of James Francis Edward Stewart) and their risings. The Jacobite risings were against the supporters and descendants of William of Orange (King of England from 1689 - 1702). William of Orange was a protestant and was selected to rule by parliament. This is known as the Glorious Revolution. The Jacobite system, specifically those who were Catholic believed in the divine right of kings. Although not all members were Catholic. However, their primary leaders were.
Sadly, the risings came to a devastating end for the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden. This final confrontation took place on Drummossie Moor, overlooking Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. It resulted in the gruesome death of almost 2000 Scottish highlanders. Perhaps the event can only be understood by visiting this poignant and historically important scene. To find out how you can read more about visiting Inverness and exploring the Scottish Highlands here.
The Impact
Consequently, after the rising in 1746, the British government banned all Highland dress. The traditional clothing was seen as supporting the Jacobites and their rebellion. Finally, the ban was lifted in 1782. 37 years is a long time to not be able to wear this great, patriotic garment.
"You might assume with kilts being such an important piece of Scottish tradition that the clan tartans are several millennia old, or at least go back to the Medieval Period. But you would be wrong." Lisa Hix - True Kilts: Debunking the Myths about Highlanders and Clan Tartans
After the ban, the kilt became a true identifying symbol of Scotland. It was from here that the use of tartan was popularised in order to represent families, lands, and regions. Naturally, I look forward to exploring the origins of tartans in my upcoming posts.
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