Saw Pipe Major insignia on Prince Charlie Jacket

**macwilkin** · 29th December 08, 07:42 AM

Here's the litmus test: would you wear one on a "Saxon" dinner jacket/tail coat?

What's the old rule? Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

T.

**hospitaller** · 29th December 08, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

What's the old rule? Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Agreed, I myself have seen several outfits displayed in this very forum by some 'kilted legends' that fit the rule.

Some look anachronistic, some look overdone....some are flat out ... 'different', but, I usually choose to let it be known that if it works for them that's all that matters.

I just object, as usual, to the harsh terms people use so easily against others' dress preferences.

Just because they do not fit your opinion or ideal, doesnt make them dumb, or in bad or even questionable taste.

.

**macwilkin** · 29th December 08, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by hospitaller

Agreed, I myself have seen several outfits displayed in this very forum by some 'kilted legends' that fit the rule.

Some look anachronistic, some look overdone....some are flat out ... 'different', but, I usually choose to let it be known that if it works for them that's all that matters.

I just object, as usual, to the harsh terms people use so easily against others' dress preferences.

Just because they do not fit your opinion or ideal, doesnt make them dumb, or in bad or even questionable taste.

.

Hector,

No, but one must take "the bitter with the sweet" when calls for others opinions. And sometimes things do go against conventional wisdom when it comes to Highland attire. One must know the rules in order to break them, after all.

Ultimately, it's up to the individual, but then if you don't like the results, it's probably best not to ask.

T.

**JSFMACLJR** · 29th December 08, 08:11 AM

Were you thinking of this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmJUBiTk6bw

Sandford MacLean

**planemaker** · 3rd January 09, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

Were you thinking of this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmJUBiTk6bw

Sandford MacLean

If this is the video that you are talking about, that is a British Army Mess Dress Uniform, which looks much like a PC jacket. He is wearing regimental badges, and Mess Minature Medals.

IMHO....I would not wear Drum/Pipe Major badges on a PC jacket..

Cheers!

Paul
Captain, (Ret)
Canadian Forces - Air Reserve

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 3rd January 09, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by planemaker

If this is the video that you are talking about, that is a British Army Mess Dress Uniform, which looks much like a PC jacket. He is wearing regimental badges, and Mess Minature Medals.

IMHO....I would not wear Drum/Pipe Major badges on a PC jacket..

Cheers!

Paul
Captain, (Ret)
Canadian Forces - Air Reserve

Paul,
That is the video I was talking about in my previous post, and while the jacket he's wearing does look like a mess jacket, for the life of me I couldn't figure out what regiment it was supposed to be. The jacket appears to black with black facings-- not worn by any Scottish regiment that I am familiar with, nor does his kilt seem to be of any regimental pattern. This (along with the civilian sporran), added to the fact that he's piping on stage, led me to assume that he's in a costume. He looks good on stage, isn't wearing anything he isn't entitled to (I guess??), and delivers visually (as well as audibly) exactly what the audience wants and expects.

I think this underscores both of our opinions that band or military trade insignia has no place on civilian attire-- unless, of course, one is a world class piper performing on stage!

Best regards,
Scott

**planemaker** · 4th January 09, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Paul,
That is the video I was talking about in my previous post, and while the jacket he's wearing does look like a mess jacket, for the life of me I couldn't figure out what regiment it was supposed to be. The jacket appears to black with black facings-- not worn by any Scottish regiment that I am familiar with, nor does his kilt seem to be of any regimental pattern. This (along with the civilian sporran), added to the fact that he's piping on stage, led me to assume that he's in a costume. He looks good on stage, isn't wearing anything he isn't entitled to (I guess??), and delivers visually (as well as audibly) exactly what the audience wants and expects.

I think this underscores both of our opinions that band or military trade insignia has no place on civilian attire-- unless, of course, one is a world class piper performing on stage!

Best regards,
Scott

Hi Scott,

I looked at the website for the "The Royal Regiment of Scotland" and I think that he is wearing mess kit for the 1st Battalion.

There are several different classes of badges in the "British/Canadian/Commonwealth armies". Rank, Appointment, Trade, and Qualification Badges.

1. Rank Badges denote rank......obviously.
2. Appointment denotes an appointment that the person holds.....MP Brassards, Aide-de-camp badges/braid, Drum and Pipe Majors. The person can wear that insignia as long as they hold the appointment.
3. Trade badges are to indicate your military trade. Infantryman, Band, Piper, Mechanic, Artificer, etc. They are worn on the lower cuff of the dress uniform.
4. Qualification badges denote a qualification, ie Parachutist, Pilot, Diver, EOD, etc. Usually the most senior badge is worn over the Left Breast.

It looks like he was wearing the following: Piper (trade), Crown (British Army (Staff Sergeant/Platoon Sergeant, although it is normally worn with three cheverons, so that is a 80% sure guess. In the Canadian Army that rank would be Warrant Officer) and Pipe Major (Appointment).

**Riverkilt** · 29th December 08, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by hospitaller

I just object, as usual, to the harsh terms people use so easily against others' dress preferences.

I'm with Hospitaller on this...and most surprised by what seems to be a new attitude towards "The Rules" that harsh terms are welcome in responding to requests for opinions.

At least this request wasn't a personal thing.

Been disturbing me for a few weeks now...particularly when new members are "ambushed" with harsh responses to basic requests...

But, yes, I know, way off the topic. Hospitaller's response just resonated with me.

Ron

**macwilkin** · 29th December 08, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

I'm with Hospitaller on this...and most surprised by what seems to be a new attitude towards "The Rules" that harsh terms are welcome in responding to requests for opinions.

At least this request wasn't a personal thing.

Been disturbing me for a few weeks now...particularly when new members are "ambushed" with harsh responses to basic requests...

But, yes, I know, way off the topic. Hospitaller's response just resonated with me.

Ron

Unfortunately, Ron, it tends to go both ways. I would agree that the delivery could be improved at times, but whenever a traditionalist offers their opinion following the customs and conventions of Higland dress, they are met with a number of "there are no rules" posts and the like.

Regards,

Todd

**Riverkilt** · 29th December 08, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

whenever a traditionalist offers their opinion following the customs and conventions of Higland dress, they are met with a number of "there are no rules" posts and the like.

Understand that for sure.

Was speaking more to the "tone," use of adjectives, and what might seem personal digs, in the responses.

But I'm off topic and have no specifics at hand.

Ron