flashes: the official UK way

**MacGumerait** · 21st July 13, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by mookien

But, on whose leg?

Well , that depends on the owner of the flash .

**The Wizard of BC** · 21st July 13, 11:57 PM

Now that I know this, I will file it away for the day when I sign up, take the oath, and join the Black Watch. While on duty, and in uniform, I will know the way to wear my flashes.

For one must abide by the proscribed uniform so that one is, with all the rest, well, uniform.

In the mean while I guess I will just keep to my slovenly, civilian ways. It helps to confuse the small children. "Oh look mommy, a man in a kilt. But why are are his flashes out of place?"

**MacGumerait** · 22nd July 13, 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

Now that I know this, I will file it away for the day when I sign up, take the oath, and join the Black Watch. While on duty, and in uniform, I will know the way to wear my flashes.

For one must abide by the proscribed uniform so that one is, with all the rest, well, uniform.

In the mean while I guess I will just keep to my slovenly, civilian ways. It helps to confuse the small children. "Oh look mommy, a man in a kilt. But why are are his flashes out of place?"

Haaa ! Good one . Reality check !

**Jock Scot** · 22nd July 13, 12:42 AM

I can't say that I give them much thought, but I supect it could well depend on the position of the moon and the direction of the wind that dictates these, errr well ummmm, important matters.

**Chas** · 22nd July 13, 01:55 AM

If you hand tie your garters, then the 10:00/2:00 position is the natural position for them to end up.

Too far one way and you can't see the knot because your knee is in the way. Too far the other and you are trying to pull your neck of femur out of its socket.

Somewhere in the middle, means you get to see what you are doing and it is not painful.

**OC Richard** · 22nd July 13, 04:25 AM

Originally Posted by imrichmond

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association's Drum Major Manual (2008) specifies that "The leading edge of the flash should be vertically in line with the front of the leg" (p. 19)

The Regimental Drum Major Association's Dress Manual for Pipes and Drums (2007) further specifies: "Leading edge of front flash to be centred on the front of the leg, bisecting the hose dicing or ribbing of the hose" (p. 16)

I've often expressed the opinion that many of the guidelines in these very manuals are rubbish.

They're saying, in effect, that the Drum Majors (and the entire regiments) of The Gordon Highlanders, The Seaforth Highlanders, and The Cameron Highlanders were doing it wrongly, that the pipers of The Scots Guards, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, The Royal Scots, and The Royal Highland Fusiliers are doing it wrongly.

The people who write these manuals ought to have some basic awareness of the subject matter.

One of my other pet peeves is the way these manuals say that full plaids must be worn, but that's for another time.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 22nd July 13, 04:29 AM

"The official UK way." That explains the sign I saw in the Edinburgh airport. "Welcome to the UK; please drive on the left and line up the edge of your flashes with your shin bone. Enjoy your visit!"