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Brian Wilton of the Scottish Tartan's Authority this week raised the issue of what to or not to wear under you kilt. For Mr Wilton the issue is one of common sense and hygiene 'the idea that you are not a real Scot unless you are bare under your kilt should be thrown into the same wastepaper basket as the idea that you're not a real Scot unless you put salt on you porridge' he continues 'Common sense and decency suggest that for the majority of occasions one should wear under the kilt what one would wear under a pair of trousers'. He points to the issue of hygiene that companies who hire kilt have faced, with some companies now insisting that underwear is worn under their hire kilts However others feel strongly that not wearing anything is traditional and should be upheld, Former Formula One driver David Coulthard insists 'I've been wearing a kilt since I was a little boy and will continue to wear my kilts in the time-honoured fashion. There is nothing childish or unhygienic about it.' Supporters of the commando approach point out that 'The tradition of no underwear being worn was a stipulation of Scottish military regulation' While the case for wearing something is clearer for hire kilts, once you have your own kilt I think either option works. I think wearing nothing adds to the distinctiveness of the Scottish national dress, but on a windy day it might be wise to have another layer! What's your position? do you care to bare ? we would love to hear your thoughts.

The red hot chilli pipers group made up of 11 different musicians have just come back from New York where they played in Times Square. The band provide a new interpretation take on bagpipe music featuring contemporary hits by artists like Cold Play and Queen as well as traditional Scottish Tunes. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers have a dedicated fan base in Scotland, and are growing in popularity they have also played in Germany and Australia to rave reviews. They are looking forward to returning to Scotland for Hogmanay 'we will be headlining the hogmanay celebrations in Inverness, weather permitting, and we can't wait' said group member Steve The group may be getting an early Xmas present this year, as Scots Trad Music Award nominated them for 'Live Act of the Year' 2010. The awards are set to be announced on the 4th December.

On this week's Apprentice the team's were challenged to find a variety of items - including some tartan cloth - and buy them at the lowest price possible. Synergy's Chris and Stewart devious ploy involved a tall story about a Scottish wedding and a doting grandmother. While negotiating for the tartan, Chris embellished the truth somewhat

Harris tweed is an iconic fabric, steeped in history. It's production is governed by an Act of Parliament, passed in 1993 which decrees that it must be made form wool dyed, spun and woven on the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. You can identify Harris Tweed by its Orb trademark which authenticates all Harris Tweed Woven. Harris is the second largest island of the chain, which includes fourteen other inhabited islands, there are also more than 50 other islands which are uninhabited. The inhabited islands have a total population of around 26,500. Weaving, including the production of Harris Tweed, is one of the main industries found on the islands alongside tourism, crofting and fishing. Across from the mountainous North Harris lies South Harris, presenting some of the finest scenery in Scotland with wide sandy beaches. In the mid-19th century, the Isle of Harris was owned by the 4th Earl of Dunmore, John Murray and his wife, Lady Charlotte. Both were born into wealthy Scottish families: he was an Earl and an officer, she was the daughter of one of Scotland's leading families. They saw the potential for selling, Harris Tweed produced by their tenants - to their acquaintances in London . Lady Dunmore in particular was instrumental in promoting Harris Tweed through her connections in the upper classes, particularly the hunting and fishing set. This marked the beginning of Harris Tweed as a commercial product. By the end of the nineteenth century, Harris Tweed was firmly established and much sought after, it had even become popular with members of the royal circle. As the popularity of Harris Tweed grew weavers began to produce their own versions and legal protection was sought to protect genuine Harris Tweed. The Harris Tweed Association was set up in 1909. In it's second year of operation it created the Orb trademark which is still used to authenticate all Harris Tweed. Harris Tweed Hebrides uses a range of more than 100 yarns which can be made up into thousands of patterns. There are a number of tweed weights: the heaviest is medium - weight used for furnishings and interiors. The most commonly used weight is the feather - weight which is popular for jackets. The lightest weight is superfine which is often used for ladieswear This year Harris Tweed received a boost with the accreditation of 100 Western Isles weavers. Thanks to two projects established by Cardonald College in Glasgow, a twelve week, course resulting in an SVQ qualification in Harris Tweed weaving was delivered in Stornoway, producing ten new weavers, most of whom have begun careers in the industry. The second stage of project recognised the skills of the existing workforce by means of an audit, to create an industry standard. A target of delivering one hundred accreditations has now been achieved and another twenty-five weavers have enrolled in the next course.

The Scotland Kilt Company have updated their website to provide their customers with an exciting new on-line experience. For more information about buying or hiring a kilt take a look at our kilt guide To keep up to date with new product ranges, special offers and interesting information about all things tartan join us on facebook

While there were professional weavers most of the tartan produced in the 1700

Scotland.org are offering a free Robert Burns App. Includes over 550 of Burn's poems and love songs as well as a glossary of Scots words. The App is perfect for anyone planning to host a Burns Supper on 25th January whether its in Scotland or further afield as it also contains hits and tips to staging the perfect Burns Night event. The App is available from itunes Make sure you're dressed in style with our fantasitc range of highlandwear

A kilt has been an essential part of running kit for those running for a particular charity or cause. In the Kilt run taking place in Perth, Ontario this year the 12,000 participants received a free kilt and a Tam o' Shanter! "We thought this year we might like to add on something to collect" said the event organiser.

In the Oscar Nominated 'The King's Speech' the story of King George VI of Britain, the King played by Colin Firth is pictured wearing a kilt. Critics have pointed out the historical inaccuricies in the choice of tartan, unfortunately Momentum Pictures selected a kilt believed to be from Co. Kerry which only dates back to 1997. For Firth, who played the royal lead, wearing the kilt was one of the highlights of the film "I enjoyed wearing the kilt. I wish I had an excuse to wear it more, but I'm not quite Scottish enough to get away with it." So what would have been a good choice? The Balmoral tartan, designed by Prince Albert in 1953, was known to be a popular choice for the Royal Family at the time. The Balmoral Tartan can only be worn by members of the royal family. Balmoral tartan

New for 2011 we have teamed up with Brook Taverner - Tailors of distinction since 1912 - to bring you a range of top quality jacket. These 100% wool jackets come in three distinct designs: The Salisbury Jacket: 100% Wool Checked Jacket Oatmeal, Navy and Charcoal Designs The Dartmouth Jacket: Browny Green jacket with a beautiful navy check Made from 100% Wool Cadgwith Jacket: A Saxony Tweed design 100% wool Made by Reid & Taylor The Lovely Cadgwith design