A true Scotsman wears nothing under his kilt...

Image via WikipediaA true Scotsman wears nothing under his kilt. But this is to change if some people can get their own way.

But never more, it seems.Scots are now reportedly being warned that the sartorial habit is both indecent and unhygenic. Bloody Sassenachs!

A representative of the Scottish Tartans Authority recently stated that when you hire a kilt, remember to also to wear underwear because, it is claimed, many are left in a disgusting state. Indeed!

Kilt rental firms are being backed by the organisation charged with maintaining standards in Highland dress. The age-old custom of "going commando" has had its day!

The tradition dates back to clansmen warriors who wore little but long kilts around their shoulders. The Scottish military subsequently took up the fashion and Scots regiments even today still parade sans underwear.

A spokesman of the Authority recalls his own father, a sergeant-major, who used to clip a car mirror on the end of his pace-stick to hold under the kilts of his men to check if they were suitably undressed for parade.

To bare or not bare divides opinion.

Its just tradition to go without - a macho cultural pressure on Scotsmen - it really doesn't prove much today.

But wearing underpants seems a sensible idea if you do hire kilts - otherwise feel free to please one's self.

A highland soldier dressed in his kilt stood on guard, rifle in the at ease position.

A beautiful young woman in her early 20's approached him,and gentled lifted his kilt

"Gruesome!" she commented.

"Och lassie, it grew some while you have been here." he replied.

Acknowledgements: Associated Press