Is it appropriate for a non Scot going to a Scottish event to wear a tartan if they are of Scottish descent?

Where is this St Andrews ball? Is it actually in Scotland? If so I would say no. If however you are in a community of people of Scots descendants that would be fine. Most of us Scot's find it a bit ridiculous when people who are of Scottish extraction but not living here or directly from here dress in traditional regalia.

I live in the Highlands, and they have a local 'MacLeod's Parliament' where a hundred or so Australians, Canadians and Americans descend on the place, all wearing the MacLeod tartan. The only people who take offence to it are themselves ar*e holes. If you're in South Korea, at a Scottish event... For goodness sake, wear the tartan and enjoy yourself. :-)

Also... If somebody with no Scottish blood at all (obviously you do have some) wears tartan - I consider it a mark of respect for Scottish culture, so power to them.

Why not. The Bay City Rollers made Tartan famous around the world & loads of non Scots started wearing it. Then the punk era came along & popularised it even more. If you want to wear Tartan go ahead. My wife was born in Brasil, but now lives here in Scotland & she wears Tartan. I don't think Laura's answer was completely correct.

appropriate yes yes yes my goodness you are Scottish 1/16 but still Scottish remember feel lucky to enjoy the celebration and loving about being part of the clan enjoy

Anyone can wear a tartan and if you have one for your own name one usually wears their own.