Scottish Love

Origins

Did you know that the kilts we’re so familiar with today actually bear very little resemblance the original garments worn hundreds of years ago?

The work ‘kilt’ likely comes from the Nordic word ‘kjalta’, which is first recorded back in the 9th century. However, there’s some confusion over exactly how this piece of clothing evolved and from the dress of which culture, or mixture of cultures, it first grew.

Centuries before the first ‘Great Kilt’ was seen, tribes from what is now Northern Ireland wore a tunic/shirt and a cloak. The Vikings and Romans also wore tunic type garments and robes. It’s thought that the kilt may have evolved from this style of dress, being modified over time to suit the climate and lifestyle of the hardy, warlike inhabitants of the Scottish Highlands.

The first Scottish Kilts were known as ‘Feileigh Mor’ or ‘Feile-breacan’ (meaning ‘Great Kilt’), and are also referred to now as the ‘belted plaid’.

These garments were first seen during the 16th Century (but not as early as the 13th Century as shown in the movie Braveheart). The Feileigh Mor was a practical and versatile piece of clothing in most circumstances, but it could be awkward and heavy (particularly when wet).

Historians believe that Highlanders often took off their kilts before charging into battle, as the tunic (or ‘leine’) that they wore underneath was much lighter and allowed them ease of movement.