The subject of our investigation is the Scottish kilt. Our project is mainly devoted to the history of developing of the most recognizable traditional clothes of Highland Scots.

Main objectives of our project:

- to give informationabout creating of the kilt in early years.

- to describe the process of weaving kilts.

- to show how to choose design and colourof the kilt.

- to analyze the difference between clans and their kilts.

-to investigate Highland dresses for men and women.

- to tell you about accessories which are worn with kilts.

- to inform you how to care for the kilt.

- to prove that Scottish kilt is still popular .

The summary:

The tartan kilt has long been the most recognizable cultural tradition of the Highland Scots. Yet, many of the most common features and associated with the wearing of the kilt were, in fact, developed in the 19th century, not by Scottish Highlanders, but by the Nobles of England and Scotland.

A traditional Scottish kilt is made with 8 yards of material - always 100 percent wool. It should sit high on the waist, with the bottom edge at the centre of the knee. Eight - yard kilts weigh a heavy 6 pounds and swing rhythmically when marching or dancing. Casual and traditional kilts are generally acceptable at both formal and informal events. Sporrans are usually made of plain leather for day wear. Sporrans made from animal furs are popular for evening wear.

During the 1800s, the wearing of the belted plaid began to be exchanged for that of the kilt. The belted plaid, being a one - piece, six foot long cloth, belted about the waist with the remainder being worn up about the shoulder, was proving to be somewhat inconvenient to wear. A “new”, little kilt design became popular, and it consisted of a plaid which had the traditional pleats permanently sewn in place, and separated the lower from the upper half, allowing the upper section to be removed when it became convenient.

In 1747 the Government, weary of being called to quell Highland uprisings, passed the Dress Act restricting the wearing of Highland plaid in any form in public. Punishment for a first offence was a 6 - month imprisonment, a second offence earned the wearer a 7 - year exile to an oversea work farm. Even the Bagpipes were outlawed, being considered an instrument of war. Only those in the army were permitted to wear the plaid, and as a result more comfortable traditional dress.

By the time the Dress Act was repealed in 1783, Celtic life had been forever altered and many of the old traditions and customs were lost forever. In spite of efforts revive the traditions, wearing the plaid was seen as only a nationalistic statement, and was no longer considered a way of life for Highlanders. The plaid now became more of a fashion experiment for the elite of England society. With the advent of the industrial revolution, the precise manufacturing and replication made possible by machinery, allowed the mass reproduction of the kilt.

Сonclusion:

So, we made the questionnaire and interviewed 105 pupils from 14 up to 16 years old. The results were following: 90% of female part of respondents want to wear multicolored skirts in stripes and checks. We were surprised that 30% of male part of respondents want to wear kilts. So, the aim of our work is to show peculiarities of Scottish kilts and to explain their popularity among people. What is more this project shows us that not only Scots like to wear kilts but there are also many people in Russia who would like to wear them with pleasure.