With Burns Night just around the corner, ceilidhs are back in full swing across Edinburgh. But while traditional Highlandwear looks stunning, it can be surprisingly tricky to manage during a vigorous Gay Gordons. To keep us right, we sat down with Louise Nicolson, Creative Director at Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, to discuss how to avoid the most common wardrobe mishaps this season.
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Q: Louise, we all know ceilidhs can get quite spirited. What’s the general vibe you see during Burns season?
Louise: Tradition and chaos go hand in hand at a ceilidh! It’s all about bringing together fun, laughter, and the occasional disaster. But honestly, a few simple wardrobe tweaks can help you leave with memories of great music, rather than wardrobe mishaps or black eyes.
Q: Let’s talk about the kilt itself. What is the number one mistake men make on the dance floor?
Louise: It has to be the sporran positioning. When you are ceilidh-ing in a kilt, please don’t forget to shimmy your sporran around to the side – left or right, wherever feels comfortable. Otherwise, you might remember your night of Stripping the Willow for all the wrong (and painful) reasons!
Q: And for the ladies, or anyone wearing lighter shoes, is there a specific footwear rule?
Louise: As pretty as a pair of ballet pumps may be, they’re really not worth the trip to A&E. The same goes for the fellas. Proper, sturdy footwear with grip is an absolute must. Unexpected slips are often hilarious, but we want to avoid genuine injuries.
Q: Highlandwear involves a lot of accessories. Are there any safety hazards we should be aware of?
Louise: Absolutely. First, the sgian dubh. It looks great in your sock, but while dancing, your sporran is a much safer home for it. Nobody wants an accidental joust mid-reel! Secondly, jewellery. As beautiful as it may be, heavy chains or large pieces aren’t always the best fit for a ceilidh. No one wants to go home with a black eye from a swinging necklace at the end of the night.
Q: Finally, it gets incredibly warm in those halls. How do you suggest balancing the heavy wool with the heat of the dance?
Louise: Tweed and wool look stunning, but ceilidh dance floors heat up fast. Don’t just wear one thick layer. I always recommend wearing a thin layer underneath your tweed so you can remove the heavier jacket if you get too hot. And avoid overly restrictive clothing in general – if your outfit can’t keep up with your feet, your Gay Gordon might end up being a Grumpy one!
Burns Night is on Sunday, the 25th of January and celebrates the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns. If you’re looking for a Burns Night event, check Eventbrite; there are often whisky tastings and other parties.
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