We are now in the final full week of October, which can mean only one thing — Halloween is almost here.
With just days to go until October 31, time is rapidly running out to come up with a costume if you’re heading to a party. Fortunately, the Daily Record is here to help with some last-minute costume ideas.
While there are a million and more possible costumes you could wear this Halloween, it would be nice to wear something that celebrates Scotland in some way. With so many iconic Scots characters and historic figures to choose from, it is actually easier to find one than you might think.
At the same time, though, having too many options can be a little bit overwhelming. To help you out, we have selected some easy ideas that are sure to go down well at any Scottish Halloween party.
Read on for 11 easy last-minute Scottish Halloween costumes you can wear.
Jamie Fraser
We couldn’t do a list of Scottish Halloween costumes and not mention Jamie Fraser. With Outlander coming to an end soon, there has never been a better time to dress up as its dashing Highland warrior protagonist.
If you already have a kilt then half of your work is already done. Just add a baggy white shirt, a waistcoat, and a wool jacket and you’re good to go — with a sword to complete the look.
Claire Fraser
Outlander also provides the perfect opportunity for a couple’s costume. Fellow protagonist Claire Fraser is just as iconic as Jamie, with the time-travelling nurse just as easy to pull off.
If your other half’s Jamie costume is strong, then all you really need for Claire is a standard medieval-looking dress. If it’s a solo costume, then details like a tartan skirt and a corset jacket will help others understand who you’re dressed as.
Groundskeeper Willie
This one is a classic, and for good reason. Everyone in Scotland has seen The Simpsons, or at the very least will know who Groundskeeper Willie is — the grouchy janitor with a terrible Scottish accent at Springfield Elementary School.
The costume is super easy too, and most of what you require you will either already have or can easily pick up for cheap. All you really need is blue or green overalls, a rake or spade, and some red hair dye for the beard — as well as yellow face paint if you want the complete Simpsons look.
Princess Merida
Despite the Pixar film Brave coming out less than 10 years ago, its main character Merida has already become a classic costume in Scotland. Now that we have our own Disney princess, can you really blame us?
For this one, the main part of the costume is a blue or green dress that you can make look more medieval by adding a big brown belt. After that, all you really need to complete the look is a curly red wig and a bow and arrow.
Minerva McGonagall
With Dame Maggie Smith sadly passing away earlier this autumn, dressing as one of her most iconic characters is a great way to honour the legendary actress. If you are a Harry Potter fan too then all the better.
Like the Merida costume, the main thing you will need is a large green dress. Instead of styling it with a belt and bow, though, add a classic witch hat and a wand — any stick will do.
Malcolm Tucker
Easily one of Peter Capaldi’s most iconic roles — though it is hard to top Doctor Who — Malcolm Tucker is the main character in the legendary BBC political satire The Thick of It. Attitude is more important than how you actually look with this one — with a constant stream expletives highly encouraged for the full effect.
For the costume itself, all you need is a shirt, grey suit, and tie. If you have grey hair then you’re set, but if not then grey hair dye is easy to get a hold of.
Amy Pond
Speaking of Doctor Who, Amy Pond is another great shout if you’re looking for a quick and easy Scottish costume. Portrayed by Karen Gillan, Pond was the companion of the Doctor played by Matt Smith in the early 2010s.
To pull off an Amy Pond costume, you will just need a red plaid shirt, a black leather jacket, and black trousers — which should all be easy enough to find. After that, simply top it off with a long-haired orange wig.
Shrek
Whether we like it or not, Shrek is one of the most recognisable ‘Scottish’ characters across the world. While Mike Myers’ Scots accent is less than perfect, it is hard to deny that his green ogre is a great Halloween costume.
Green face paint is a must here, as it’s probably the most recognisable aspect of the character. After that, simply add tartan trousers, a hugely oversized mucky white top with a belt, and a tiny brown jacket.
The Duke of Wellington
If you are heading to a Halloween party in Glasgow, then this one will go down a treat. For those who don’t already know, Scotland’s biggest city is famous for its equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington that perpetually has an orange cone atop its head.
As you might have guessed, the main thing you will need for this costume is an orange come — which is easy enough to make at home. Add a stick horse and you’re all set.
Rab C. Nesbitt
One of the most legendary Scottish comedies of all time, Rab C. Nesbitt is a surefire costume. The titular Glaswegian, played by comedian Gregor Fisher, is instantly recognisable by Scots of all ages.
For a Rab C. Nesbitt costume, you just need a white vest, a suit jacket, and of course a headband. After that, it is all up to how strong your impersonation is — good luck.
Minnie the Minx
The third-longest running Beano character after Dennis the Menace and Roger the Dodger, Minnie the Minx will be celebrating her 71st anniversary this year. The tomboyish 10-year-old is an amazing idea for a costume, and is a surprisingly easy one to pull off as well.
To dress as Minnie, the most important thing you need is a large black and red striped jumper. Add a black skirt, black tam o’shanter cap, and maybe a slingshot and you’re good to go.
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