The origin of kilts - For our classes School Assembly

We performed our assembly on Wednesday, twice to the school and then to the parents. It went really well, the kids were great and worked hard to learn all their lines and the songs and poem. It was about Scotland; what it was like in granny's day, the Scots language, origins of the kilt, and One-Scotland-Many-Cultures and how friendly and welcoming we are! I was there of course! Everyone enjoyed our performance

So what IS the origin of kilts? I hear you ask. Well, I discovered that it was originally worn by the highlanders. It was just a long strip of material known as the big kilt or feileadh Mor. It was very different to what we wear today. The highlander would have to lie his belt on the ground and then pleat the material over it, then he would lie down on top , flap the ends over and then fasten his belt. The extra material would come over his shoulder. It helped keep him warm and because the wool was woven very close together it was also waterproof. Then at night he would use it like a blanket. You can see it far better at this great web site about great kilts.

Then it was banned after the defeat of Bonny Prince Charlie, unless you were in the army. Luckily for us in 1782 it was permitted again. Now of course its much smaller and dressier and comes in many different colours. Those are clan colours.

Yes, but the idea of different brightly coloured tartans associated with the various clans is a modern development. It was brought about partly because army regiments wanted their own identification and partly because weavers wanted to increase the market for their products. Thats more like it. Either way I’m proud to wear it.