Hunting for a Lovat Scouts Style Bonnet

[Troglodyte]

It was only during a visit the The Highlanders Museum at Fort George some years ago, that I discovered the bonnet that I had been wearing for 30 years or more was a genuine Lovat Scouts' issue. Outside that museum, I have only ever seen one other, and that during a Remembrance Day parade some years ago.

Mine came to me second hand, but still in excellent (seemingly never worn) condition, and I immeditely took a fancy to the dark blue/white colour combination with self-colour toorie. The dicing on mine was never the bright white you see these days, but more a 'natural' white of wool, but this may be natural 'ageing' of the wool. I have always worn the trailing ribbons tied, Highland style.

You may be lucky and find one in army-surplus, or even in specialist military auctions, but they are rare - so your best bet is probably to have one made, if it is the look rather than the genuine article you are after. That way, you can specify colour shades.

With the demise of Mackie's bonnet production, your choice seems to be a Pakistani maker, but what I have seen of their headwear, the low price makes it an appealing alternative. You will have to look past the lack of sophistication in construction and ribbon attachment/size adjustment, but only close scrutiny would reveal these anyway.

My bonnet seems to be thicker and stiffer (less soft and floppy) than the Mackie bonnets I have seen, but Mackie's can be 'treated' to reduce that, and to get a more controlled fit and service.

I will get some pictures of mine done, and post them here for your reference.