The Dress Act of 1746

The Dress Act of 1746 was a law passed by the British government in an effort to control the Scottish clans who had shown support for the Jacobite Risings. The law came into effect on August 1st, 1746 and made it illegal for Scottish men and boys to wear traditional Highland dress, including the kilt.

The law was a direct attack on Scottish culture and identity, as the kilt and tartans were deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the Scottish people. The law aimed to suppress the distinctiveness of the Highlands and assimilate the Scottish people into British society.

However, an exemption was made for men and veterans of the military who were allowed to wear the kilt. This exemption allowed the tradition to continue through the Black Watch regiment, and the kilt became a symbol of military pride and Scottish heritage.

Despite the efforts of the British government, the kilt and tartans continued to be worn by some individuals in secret, and the law was eventually repealed in 1782. However, by that time the kilt and tartans were no longer commonly worn due to enforcement of the law and the Highland clearances.

The repeal of the Dress Act was met with great celebration among the Scottish people, and within two years of the law’s repeal, Highland aristocrats established the Highland Society of Edinburgh and other clubs with the goal of promoting the use of traditional Highland dress. This led to the Highland pageant of King George IV’s visit to Scotland, where the kilt and tartans were worn with pride once again.

The Dress Act of 1746 serves as a reminder of the suppression and discrimination faced by the Scottish people throughout history. However, it also showcases the resilience and determination of the Scottish people to maintain their cultural identity and heritage. The kilt and tartans continue to be symbols of Scottish pride and culture to this day.