FOR centuries the kilt has symbolised Scots' masculinity and fierce patriotism.
But today figures show it is being taken over by the English.
Kilts have been popularised by non-Scottish stars such as Robbie Williams, Vin Diesel and Samuel L Jackson.
Demand for the garment has soared south of the border, says Glasgow-based kilt hire business Cameron Ross.
The company says it expects to ship more orders to shops in England than in Scotland for the first time ever during the busy festive season.
A spokesman put the trend down to a surge in the availability of non-tartan kilts - and a surge in patriotism among England-based Scots.
He added: "Some who think this is some kind of theft of Scotland's identity or something to be embarrassed about.
"But I think it illustrates just how acceptable the kilt has become.
"There will be plenty of Scots in England who are desperate to show some national pride in the most traditional way possible."
