Well plaid !

Edinburgh, Scotland - WHEN most schools ditch the standard uniform of grey shorts and skirts, they tend to go for something more modern.

But one city primary has opted for something a little more traditional, by adopting the kilt as part of its uniform.

Boys at James Gillespie's are expected to be the first in the Capital to attend a state school wearing national dress.

It was the pupils who decided to go for tartan after organising a survey about the popularity of their existing uniform. Their first idea was for girls to be offered tartan skirts, with scarves for all pupils - but unexpected demand from the boys led to a rethink.

The kilt design arrived yesterday and orders are now being taken from pupils, who have the option of the kilt, or regular trousers or skirt.

Ten-year-old John Jones, who was part of the pupil committee who helped choose the kilts, said he was delighted.

"I'm going to order one. I really like kilts and I've got one at home which I wear on special occasions. I think once a few people start wearing them, they'll catch on."

He added: "There's about 14 of us in the pupil council who have been discussing uniform since about October. Quite a few people wanted kilts so we sent a survey out around the classes asking who would want a tartan.