Quote Originally Posted by thescot View Post
I think that, in general, it's safe to say that, early on, the colors were made from whatever form of dye was available, and that was somewhat regional, at least in the more rural areas and among the poorer of the folk. Obviously, those who were financially able had access to a wider range of dyes, commercially produced cloth, etc. I doubt that His Grace Archibald Campbell wore the same attire as Rob Roy.
Whilst this is basically true you might be surprised just how readily available indigo was and how widely it was being traded by the early 1600s. It's one of those dyestuffs that does not require that much to produce the colour and for which there was no cheap alternative. The same can be said for red.

I believe it is safe to assume that after 1800, it was the mills who saw an opportunity to help create a market for wool cloth by coming up with the various tartans and clan associations. I applaud their entrepeneurial spirit and accumin, and I am impressed with their creativity. However, buying into their advertising statements would be as silly as buying into current ad slogans.
Absolutely, although the clan associations were probably not origiall the weavers' (often Wilsons of Banockburn) idea but seem to have begun life as the invention of the Highland Revival chiefs and in particular the Highland Society of London.

And--a bit of modern heresy--if a new wearer of the kilt purchases his book and does as he advises, he will not go wrong. . . . Except for the white hose.
There are some other statements that are too dogmatic such as the sgian dubh is worn in the right stocking. And for the left handed? Or, that the silver cantled fur sporran is the correct style for evening wear. It's one style but certainly not the only.