Balmoral bonnet and feathers...

[Dale-of-Cedars]

Along with no kilt police there are no feather police here in the US.

Umm, yes there are...

[Phil]

http://www.lyon-court.com/lordlyon/242.html
This link from the Lord Lyon's website spells it all out. Although eagle feathers are traditional, I would hazard a guess that any feather, seen from a distance, would tend to indicate a presumed status as a Chief, chieftan or armiger and it would be best to avoid any feathers unless you have a right to the above mentioned designations. It would invite a challenge from the "eagle eyed" among us. ;)

So how do you become a chief? That's right, your daddy had to have been a chief and married to your mummy. Is this really what the modern world is all about? I understand that it is only necessary to have been born in the USA to become President so that is a possibility for a lot of people, unlike those who would like to be "chiefs".

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Only a very few individuals who, by the customs of Highland society, are entitled to wear feathers wear them; even then the wearing of feathers is relegated to specific, ceremonial occasions. Strictly speaking, the decision as to who does -- or does not -- wear feathers rests with the chief of the clan, and the Lord Lyon has made this clear; the wearing of feathers does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Court of the Lord Lyon. It is the clan chief alone who decides who in his clan may, or may not, wear "tall" feathers.

Tall feathers, particularly in North America, are often indicative of awards of merit bestowed upon worthy clanfolk by their chief. While it is true that some de novo armigers wear a tall feather on any and all occasions, this presumption of a chiefly prerogative is based on the flawed assumption that tall feathers are some sort of heraldic right when, in fact, no such heraldic right exists.

[Woodsheal]

Only a very few individuals who, by the customs of Highland society, are entitled to wear feathers wear them; even then the wearing of feathers is relegated to specific, ceremonial occasions. Strictly speaking, the decision as to who does -- or does not -- wear feathers rests with the chief of the clan, and the Lord Lyon has made this clear; the wearing of feathers does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Court of the Lord Lyon. It is the clan chief alone who decides who in his clan may, or may not, wear "tall" feathers.

Tall feathers, particularly in North America, are often indicative of awards of merit bestowed upon worthy clanfolk by their chief. While it is true that some de novo armigers wear a tall feather on any and all occasions, this presumption of a chiefly prerogative is based on the flawed assumption that tall feathers are some sort of heraldic right when, in fact, no such heraldic right exists.

"Tall" seems to be the operative word. So, what about shorter, stubbier feathers tha would be worn simply as a jaunty decoration? I have some ruffed grouse tail feathers that are beautiful, and only about 5 inches long.

[James Hood]

Hmm. Would "Bonnet Feather Police" make a truly one-off custom tee-shirt, or what...?

[Burly Brute]

Considering I don't know every chief by their face, I like knowing that in general if I see a big ole eagle feather, I know what's up.

I kind of look at it the same way as with the US military, I wouldn't wear medals I didn't earn.

How about some antler, fox tail, elephant eyelash, something super unusual!? Lol

(Note: I am not responsible if anyone gets trampled by an elephant in an attempt to obtain an eyelash.)

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

"Tall" seems to be the operative word. So, what about shorter, stubbier feathers that would be worn simply as a jaunty decoration? I have some ruffed grouse tail feathers that are beautiful, and only about 5 inches long.

As long as the feathers don't give the casual observer the impression that one holds a position of authority within their clan, I'd tend to view the matter as a harmless affectation-- pretty much in line with the tiny feather one sometimes sees tucked into the hat band of an ordinary hat.

[Mael Coluim]

As long as the feathers don't give the casual observer the impression that one holds a position of authority within their clan, I'd tend to view the matter as a harmless affectation-- pretty much in line with the tiny feather one sometimes sees tucked into the hat band of an ordinary hat.

BOLD ADDED

Those tiny feathers in our fedoras and trilbies are significantly smaller than Woodsheal's 5" grouse tail feather.

It wasn't harmless to the bird!

On one of my cycling trips a few years ago, I picked up from the roadside a 7" vulture feather. It would give my bonnet quite a jaunty look, if I put it behind my crest badge. However, I prefer my dandelion that only one person has ever asked me why I have a chrysanthemum on my hat!

Many more have said to me, "I know you, you are Mael Coluim, however your pronounce it from XMarks the Scot, I recognized you by your dandelion." Happens frequently at the Highland Games here in Virginia, but has happened twice in Scotland!

[PEEDYC]

I wear a brooch / kilt pin made up of deer hair and very short feathers as a plume. I think this looks OK and is unlikely to offend chiefs or otherwise. I also wear the Campbell of Argyle tartan which the Clan Chief does not recognise so if he does take offence it is likely to be the tartan and not the wearing of feathers.

[Mael Coluim]

Looks good, Peedyc! No confusion there, mate.

I am sure Woodsheal would like fine with his 5" grouse feather, maybe he would post pic.

Now, if Robin Malcolm, Chief of the Malcolm MacCallums would award me with an eagle feather, let me tell you, I would be obliged to wear it at the appropriate times!