Great Scot September 2018 Gt Scot_154_September_online | Page 71

A KILT RESURGENCE
THE HON. JULIE BISHOP MP WITH MEMBERS OF THE CLANS IN THEIR KILTS
Why not add a kilt to your wardrobe?
The Old Scotch Collegians’ Association has no objection to Old
Boys and guests wearing kilts to the OSCA Annual Dinner — in fact the
Association actively encourages it.
The kilt – long established as a ‘black tie’ option – adds colour and
distinctiveness. It also serves as a potent reminder of Scotch’s heritage
and values.
Why not add a kilt to your wardrobe? Kilts are surprisingly
inexpensive, easy to buy, and can be enjoyed for years at a variety of
events. OSCA and the Victorian Scottish Heritage Cultural Foundation
provide several occasions each year when it is appropriate, indeed
desirable, to wear a kilt.
A personal connection with Scottish ancestry, or with a particular
tartan, is unnecessary. There are many universal tartans available,
including Black Watch, Gordon, Royal Stewart, Scottish National and
even Victorian. A Scotch College tartan may even be in the offing!
On formal occasions the footy tragic may be deprived of his
scarf – but he can still flaunt his beloved team’s colours … in tartan.
The Richmond supporter may, for example, enjoy a tartan such as the
McLeod, or the longsuffering Melbourne supporter could choose a
Fraser Dress tartan. (Just Google ‘tartan finder’ to identify tartans with
particular combinations of colours.)
One local kilt supplier is the House of Scotland (Balwyn). Another is
the kilt-maker St Kilda Retail in Queensland, and reliably ordering a kilt by
phone is easy. Remember to allow for lead times, and be aware that often
the person who gets it done is one’s partner or wife.
OSCA looks forward to a resplendent showing at next year’s OSCA
Annual Dinner on 24 May!
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot
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