This Sporting Kilt

With this year's six nations in full swing it seems a good time to take a look at the role of tartan and kilts in sport. Frequently worn by spectators and sportsmen, national and regional tartans are a good way of displaying pride in your roots, in much the same way as a national flag and anthem does.

Particularly popular at football and rugby matches, you will also have seen plenty on show at Wimbledon and other tennis tournaments when Scottish sporting legend Andy Murray makes his bid for a first grand slam title.

At rugby matches casual kilts are teamed with t-shirts or rugby shirts and even the odd Jimmy hat! Prooving the kilts popularity among other celtic nations lots of the welsh supports visiting for a Six Nations game also wore kilts. On the day Wales finally managed to break their eight match losing streak. Here's hoping Scotland have better luck when they play Ireland on the 27th.

Nothing highlights the sporting, cultural and social elements of tartan more than the Highland Games. Whether you're a regular or visiting your first show, listening to pipe and drumming bands, watching the caber toss and taking part in the Highland Fling will make for a day to remember and you're sure to see an impressive display of tartan kilts, dresses and skirts. So don your finest highland attire and enjoy!

No Scottish football match would be complete without the presence of The tartan clad Tartan Army. BBC News described the Scotland fans as "one of the highlights" of the 1998 World Cup, noting their colourful appearance. As well as raising money for disadvantaged children in Scotland and abroad, The Tartan Army, who are a registered charity, arrange trips for youngsters to watch matches at Hampden Park. Fundraising events include an annual 26 mile sponsored Kiltwalk walk from Hampden Park to Loch Lomond.

To strengthen sporting feeling at occasions such as the World Cup One different tartans have been created such as the 'tartans for Africa' collection which was designed to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Scotland and World Cup host South Africa. The design incorporates the colours in the flags of the two nations. For further information please visit http://www.tartansforafrica.com. Getting into the spirit of the event a World Cup Tartan was designed http://www.scotweb.co.uk/tartandesign/details/19798

A kilt has also been an essential part of running kit particularly for those running for a charity or cause. In the Kilt run taking place in Perth, (Ontario, that is!) this year the 12,000 participants received a free kilt and a Tam o' Shanter!

Utility kilts are a relatively new concept, which are proving a popular alternative to casual kilts. Made from heavy cotton, people with active lifestyles and those who wear a kilt in warmer weather testify that, they are cooler and more comfortable that a wool kilt. As they come in plain colours or camouflage material they also work well for people who like the style and feel of a kilt, but who are not part of a clan. Why not wear with a jacobite shirt or a t-shirt. lace up boots or trainers also work well.

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