Civilian Spats

[Chef]

What on earth do you do? I'm a pretty active piper, and I do a lot of weddings, but going formal at least once or twice a week all year long?

I realise that probably seems like a lot of formal wear and probably more than most of the rabble would do in a year but it breaks down like this:

I own a catering company and we do Scottish weddings. When I run these I always wear a PC. Depending on the year 4 to 8 times a year so let's say 6.

Various Masonic events at which black tie is required and I wear a kilt around 10.

Appearances to do the "Address to a Haggis" 20 or more.

Attending Scottish society events (St. Andrews, Caledonian etc.) 5 or 6

Appearances for whisky companies or distributors 15 or more depending.

So yes, on average I am in a formal get up once a week. Of course it doesn't work like that. Some weeks I am in a formal rig all week, usually around Burns Night and Tartan Day. That's when having hose tops with spats and comfy cotton socks would be great!

Anyway, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing spats & hose tops with formal Highland wear; in my opinion it'd look thoroughly ridiculous.

I'm not sure I don't agree with you, just asking the question. Also I think the military spats might be too much (or not) I really like what Sir Harry is wearing here:



They seem a little higher that ankle spats but not as large as the military ones. Of course they might not work with standard hose tops but if i had them custom made I'm sure it could be worked out.

The other thing about the military spats is the rise in the back. All the ones I found online have this, but I know I have seen pipers with spats that don't rise in the back. Has anyone seen these for sale?