Sticks and Bonnets?

[Bugbear]

Ted, don't get too fired up on all this matching thing. I think your bonnet can be any colour you choose. Mine, I wear with everything, is a beaten up duck egg green(I can't get that colour any more) or my greeny grey coloured thing(I don't like it much).Pick one you like and don't bother about it, after that.

Oh... I'm sorry Jock Scot, I had just read that the traditional color is navy blue, and wasn't sure if other colors were acceptable. I would actually prefer a lighter blue bonnet for some reason. I'm trying to sort through it all, and trying to understand how the bonnets are to be worn.

I mean, I can't look at the pictures.

[Bugbear]

Hello Ted,

I think that without a bonnet you look rather dashing.

I had no idea you had so much hair under that bonnet? Show it off! The wife agrees!

Unless the sun is an issue where you live. Out here we are getting into winter and I am not looking forward to the snow and ice of January and -30c in the kilt!

As for sticks, I think whatever you find that is comfortable and useful for you is the one you should go with.

Whatever you decide to do, I have noticed that you always add a touch of class to those us who wear the kilt so in the end what you decide it will look great!

The Vicar

Thank you.

I do have long hair right now, and I normally tie it back when dressing up... Though, I stop short of powdering it.

The sun is the main issue related to the head covering out here.

[Jock Scot]

Ted,for some one in your shoes the balmoral is dead easy! Could'nt be easier in fact! As you know, the balmoral has a bow on the back, all you have to do is centre the bow knot on the back of your head(by feel) and the rest is correct! Then run your finger around the rim, to get the height right around your brow, ears etc. and Bob's your uncle, its correctly placed on your head! I do that all the time, particularly if there is no mirror to hand.

[Bugbear]

Thanks, Jock Scot. That sounds easy enough.

[Bugbear]

As far as a walking stick, I have been using a stick around my gardens and orchard that was once a part of a garden tool. It's probably ash and must have been the handle of a square shovel. It is tapered to the end and has long deep cracks along it's length as those type of un-finnished handles tend to develop out in the weather. Kind of reminds me of the old fence posts you find out here in the South West.

It needs a hand-grip top to it and probably a tip of some sort which would just about make it a good length for a walking stick. If it were staned to darken the crackes, sanded smooth, then a light finnish added, it might have a little character.
It's on the short and heavy side for a cane, but I've been using it around the property lately, and it's not too bad. Just an idea.

For a stick used as a mobility cane... The wooden handle of my claw rake or a broom handle would be a better size and width. Some of the aluminum canes have a small crook at the top, but it can get in the way at times.

The one in the pictures folds up and is made of graphite fibers somewhat like the fishing poles now a days. It is covered in a reflective white tape, and they usually have red tape on the bottom eight to ten inches.

[DWFII]

Looking very, very fine, Ted -- as always. If you really think you need a bonnet with this ensemble (for outdoor wearing, of course), I suggest a Cdn khaki. I've rarely worn one in lo these many years, but if you choose to, make sure that that the "tilt" is right: the right side about two fingers up from the top of your right ear, and the left side with the soft crown sloping 'way down over your left ear -- the ribbon brim should be almost touching the scalp-side of your left ear for you to be able to do this. Does that make sense? If not, ask.

Is that specific to the Canadian balmoral? I have a friend who is a regimental corporal of the Glasgow Highlanders, Highland Light Infantry (WWII) and he urged me to wear my WPG khaki balmoral cocked over the right ear. I also note that the Jacobite Scots blue bonnet is worn cocked over the right ear...with the white cockade over the left ear.

[Jock Scot]

Is that specific to the Canadian balmoral? I have a friend who is a regimental corporal of the Glasgow Highlanders, Highland Light Infantry (WWII) and he urged me to wear my WPG khaki balmoral cocked over the right ear. I also note that the Jacobite Scots blue bonnet is worn cocked over the right ear...with the white cockade over the left ear.

I have to agree about the balmoral "sloping" over the right ear. You will find, though, with the bow knot centred on the centre of the back of you head(I think that makes sense) the cockade and/or badge will be forward of your left ear.

[ThistleDown]

Is that specific to the Canadian balmoral? I have a friend who is a regimental corporal of the Glasgow Highlanders, Highland Light Infantry (WWII) and he urged me to wear my WPG khaki balmoral cocked over the right ear. I also note that the Jacobite Scots blue bonnet is worn cocked over the right ear...with the white cockade over the left ear.

Aparently I've been looking in the mirror too long. Of course you are correct, but I've never seen a Balmoral in Scotland with a white cockade. They are traditionally black, but I suppose they could be replaced with white.

[puffer]

Ted, IMHO, I would go with the "news boy" you have, if you are wearing a tie & Jacket or Tie, jacket, & vest.

If more casual or for the Scot's look, the a bamoral ( NON MILITARY style) or Tam o Shanter.( like WPG's that I reviewed)

Puffer

[DWFII]

I have to agree about the balmoral "sloping" over the right ear. You will find, though, with the bow knot centred on the centre of the back of you head(I think that makes sense) the cockade and/or badge will be forward of your left ear.

I knew that...just shorthand. But since I don't have either a cockade or a badge for my balmoral yet, how far forward of the left ear should they be placed?