Scruffy Scots on wrong side of law

Scottish people failing to take adequate care over their appearance could find themselves on the wrong side of the law, following the discovery of ancient statutes designed to uphold sartorial standards north of the border.

Academics have discovered the statutes were passed by James I of Scotland – and never repealed – to spruce up the nation's dress sense 600 years ago. It was a matter of national pride to James, who was concerned that visiting dignitaries should not be given the impression that Scottish people did not dress well.

Theoretically, anybody caught wearing holed jumpers, frayed jeans or scruffy kilts could still be fined up to £200 for wearing "ragged clothes", as the law calls them.

Dr Alastair Mann, one of the historians at St Andrews University who unearthed the laws, said: "People were a bit scruffy, and when visitors from abroad arrived we actually didn't look too well.

"At important events like Parliament there was a great fuss that people should be smartly attired, put on their Sunday best, to look impressive – so that the ambassador of Spain, when he was visiting, could see us for the country we really weren't."

James I was determined that Scots should dress in certain ways and fines were introduced. By the reign of James II, in 1450, it had risen to £200 for failing to dress accordingly – about £100,000 in today's money.

"Dress was not just a matter of choice in the medieval period – it was a mark of social rank, status and wealth," Dr Mann said.

More ambitious dressers should beware strict punishments for those who dress above their station: only lords and knights may wear silk. While fashionistas may escape censure, those who dare venture out in Rab C Nesbitt-style can expect the worst.