Kilmarnock Bonnets

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Who makes Kilmarnock bonnets?

[James MacMillan]

Not sure if this will help, but look ..here.. for further info.

Additionally, some think that the Kilmarnock is just a re-shaped Balmoral.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Jay, thanks for the link. A Kilmarnock has a lot more going on, as a hat, than a Balmoral. We used to have one on display at the RSC, but almost all of our regimental stuff "vanished" about 20-25 years ago... I suppose I could check with an Archer and see who made his bonnet. That is, if I can find an Archer who isn't wearing his father's uniform...

[McClef]

Would love to see photos of it being worn so we can compare it with the more familiar Balmoral. It certainly looks to add more height to the wearer.

[BoldHighlander]

Would love to see photos of it being worn so we can compare it with the more familiar Balmoral. It certainly looks to add more height to the wearer.

I've seen a photo of Matt Newsome wearing one, I just can't recall where

Ah-ha! It was here: http://kilts.albanach.org/history.html

[Arlen]

The only place I ever knew of which sold them was a local kilt store which sold old military attire as well as kilts.
They closed some years ago.

My wife could certainly make a traditional styled Kilmarnock bonnet, but I would say your best bet would probably be to contact Matt and see where he gets his. He might have some information on stockists.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I think it is best to define what type of Kilmarnock bonnet you mean. My article on the hummel bonnet has already been lined to, and we sell those hand knit bonnets through the museum gift shop (they are listed at the bottom of our bonnet page):
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/bonnets.htm

As my article states, the cylendrical hummel bonnet that was adopted by the regiments post 1770 was called a Kilmarnock bonnet. However, that term has been applied to other styles of bonnet in more recent times.

The Kilmarnock bonnet of today really looks much more like a typical Balmoral. See this page for a description and photo.

These types of Kilmarnocks that I have had the pleasure to see and examine in person were basically like a Balmoral but with an additional stiffener in the top of the cap to help maintain a more rigid shape.

The ones pictured on the museum site that I provided the link to seem to have some features that the ones I have seen lacked (such as the odd button decoration on the band). I suspect that, like most other styles of headwear, some variation in style can be expected.

Aye,
Matt

[macwilkin]

I think it is best to define what type of Kilmarnock bonnet you mean. My article on the hummel bonnet has already been lined to, and we sell those hand knit bonnets through the museum gift shop (they are listed at the bottom of our bonnet page):
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/bonnets.htm

As my article states, the cylendrical hummel bonnet that was adopted by the regiments post 1770 was called a Kilmarnock bonnet. However, that term has been applied to other styles of bonnet in more recent times.

The Kilmarnock bonnet of today really looks much more like a typical Balmoral. See this page for a description and photo.

These types of Kilmarnocks that I have had the pleasure to see and examine in person were basically like a Balmoral but with an additional stiffener in the top of the cap to help maintain a more rigid shape.

The ones pictured on the museum site that I provided the link to seem to have some features that the ones I have seen lacked (such as the odd button decoration on the band). I suspect that, like most other styles of headwear, some variation in style can be expected.

Aye,
Matt

There is also another type of Kilmarnock bonnet/cap that is worn by the Gurkhas:

http://www.richard-seaman.com/Travel...GurkhaBand.jpg

Regards,

Todd

[starbkjrus]

Well I've been to Kilmarnock. Does that help?

[McClef]

I went through it on a train once Dee but I don't think that helps either!