DIGNITY OF THE KILT

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1927, Page 1

DIGNITY OF THE KILT

A N EAV CRUSADE. INVERNESS, Aug. 18. Once again the Fiery Cross is to be raised in Scotland—on this occasion to summon the elans to a crusade against the improper wearing of the kilt. The heather has become aflame from burning Indignation because so many of tlie thousands of “ aliens ” who are spending the season and their money in the Highlands are assuming the native dress and—blackest of the deadly sins—carrying the kilt too high: above the knee-cap. j But this offence by kilted visitors from the south and from over-sens lias led to the discovery that even the loaders of the elans are not agreed among themselves on tho correct height at which the kilt .should be worn. The subject has been brought before the elan representatives who compose the Kilt Society, and the suggestion was made at their meeting that they, the custodians of traditions, wear their kilts too high. This accusation was challenged by Afr Campbell, of Fort Augustus, who was personal piper In Queen Victoria I and King Edward, but notwithstanding his perfervid denials a eo-inhlit-too lias been appointed to inquire into the matter, and, if necessary, to revise the rules for the wearing of tho kilt. “SPORRAN” OR “SPORAN.” One 1 chieftain. Alack in non of Maekinnon, has also demanded that the Kilt Society shall pronounfoe judg( merit on the spelling of the word sporran. It appears in the official documents of the society as “sporan” (this spelling is given as optional ill Murray’s New English Dictionary), but clansmen are agitating for the official use of the two “r’s.”

The popular test among soldiers of Highland regiments for the correct “hang” and height of the kilt is. when it has been buckled, to kneel on the floor with ‘both knees together. \ATien in this position and the body is held upright'the lower edge of the kilt should just touch the ground. On rising the bottom of tho kilt- is the shade of an inch over the kneebone. :