Politics: SNP gets shirty over kilts claim

THE SCOTTISH National Party denied yesterday that it had barred members from wearing the kilt.

Reports claimed SNP spin-doctors had ordered leading party figures not to wear the traditional Scottish dress at a business dinner last week. The SNP, which uses the slogan "Scotland's Party", wanted to promote a more modern image instead of the so-called Braveheart style, it was claimed.

A party spokeswoman said: "It is complete nonsense. We do not tell people what to wear." The SNP leader, Alex Salmond, did wear tartan trousers to the fundraising event, but the spokeswoman pointed out: "Alex does not tend to wear the kilt anyway." And she added: "We have got candidates who will dress in everything from jeans to business suits to kilts."