Right of Reply; Michael Right of Reply: Michael Cantlay

The chairman of Hector Russell, a kilt-making firm, replies to Philip Hensher

PERSONALLY, I think the recent interest in the kilt is great. But let's make one thing clear to Philip Hensher ("Nobody messes with a man in a skirt", 16 October): a kilt is a kilt and a skirt is a skirt.

The history of the kilt goes back to antiquity and is similar to the toga of Greek and Roman times, when a piece of cloth was wrapped round the body to protect it from the elements. The kilt is similar to a large blanket, hand-pleated and wrapped around a Highlander with the aid of a belt, hence the Gaelic name fileadh mhor, or "great wrap".

After the Scots army lost the battle of Culloden in 1746, the wearing of the kilt was banned until 1783, when it reappeared in the form known today as fileadh beag, or "little wrap" - a hand-sewn garment usually created from eight yards of tartan.

The kilt is a garment whose history is enshrined in Scottish folklore and tradition - and it is a serious matter! For centuries, soldiers have proudly fought and died in kilts. Men from all over the world proudly wear tartan kilts to represent their ancestral link. And others wear kilts purely to take part in Scottish events because they want to be part of a very special tradition.

So you certainly don't need to be Scottish to wear the kilt, and your sexual orientation is of no pertinence at all. The kilt is famous throughout the world as a style of dress that is suitable for many different occasions.

If men want to wear a skirt - or any other item of lady's clothing - that's fine by me.

But please appreciate that if a gentleman chooses to wear a skirt, that garment does not become a kilt; and while I personally think that some of the latest designer fashions are very attractive garments, they are certainly not kilts.