Balmoral bonnet and feathers...

[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!