Renowned Scottish actor Brian Cox has taken aim at Hollywood's depiction of kilts in the 1995 film Braveheart, dismissing it as 'a load of nonsense'. The Succession star argued that the film's portrayal of medieval Scots wearing kilts is historically inaccurate and perpetuates misconceptions.
Cox, known for his outspoken views, didn't hold back in his critique: 'The kilts in Braveheart are completely wrong. It's a romanticised version of history that doesn't reflect reality.' He emphasised that the tartan kilts shown in the film wouldn't have existed in the 13th and 14th centuries when the story is set.
Why Hollywood Gets Scottish History Wrong
According to historians, the modern kilt only emerged in the 16th century, while the belted plaid (a precursor to the kilt) appeared later. Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson, has long been criticised for its historical inaccuracies, but remains a cultural touchstone for many.
Cox, a proud Scot, expressed frustration at how Hollywood often distorts Scottish culture for dramatic effect. 'There's so much rich history in Scotland, but filmmakers prefer the myth over reality,' he remarked.
A Call for Authenticity
The actor suggested that future films about Scotland should strive for greater accuracy. 'We owe it to our heritage to tell these stories properly,' he said, while acknowledging that entertainment sometimes requires creative licence.
Despite his criticisms, Cox admitted that Braveheart had a positive impact on Scottish tourism and interest in the country's history. However, he hopes future productions will balance spectacle with historical truth.
