Saw Pipe Major insignia on Prince Charlie Jacket

**puddlemuddle** · 28th December 08, 08:21 PM

has anyone else seen this? I saw a video a while back that had a very good piper in it...can't remember his name...(pretty sure he was ex military...but maybe not) he had pipe major insignia on the sleeves of his PC jacket, along with the red sash and medals (not sure if they were piping medals or military medals). Anyway, has anyone ever seen this, I thought it looked a little weird...yet interesting...How about on an Argyll?
Anyone?

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 28th December 08, 09:49 PM

Unless his PC is part of a band uniform (not something he invented for himself) chevrons, patches, clan badges, band sashes, etc, on a Prince Charlie coatee (which itself should never be worn before 6PM) is in extremely questionable taste. The same would hold true for an Argyll jacket.

That said, if an entire marching band were so attired it would become a uniform, albeit just about the dumbest looking uniform one could possibly imagine. Just think of a college marching band in white tie and tails, with their school logo plastered all over it-- the effect would be the same.

But as we all know, there is no accounting for taste-- good, bad, or in a PC covered with patches!

**beloitpiper** · 29th December 08, 01:13 AM

I dunno, I think it may be cool, but it would be too flashy for me.

**hospitaller** · 29th December 08, 07:39 AM

albeit just about the dumbest looking uniform one could possibly imagine

but then again, how does the saying goes: "opinions are like ... we all have one" ?

in certain countries, you are allowed to wear your military (or civilian) medals with your civilian clothes.

Bottom line, as always, is simply to be aware that what is dumb to you, is really smart for others, and to each his/her own.

.

**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, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by hospitaller

but then again, how does the saying goes: "opinions are like ... we all have one" ?

in certain countries, you are allowed to wear your military (or civilian) medals with your civilian clothes.

Bottom line, as always, is simply to be aware that what is dumb to you, is really smart for others, and to each his/her own.

.

Ah, but a pipe major's insignia is a trade badge, similar to one for a drummer, pioneer, etc.:

http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-badges/trade3.htm

I can't say I've ever seen anyone wearing one on civilian formal wear, unlike medals and decorations.

regards,

Todd

**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

**puddlemuddle** · 29th December 08, 08:23 AM

Well,
Just to clear this up a little bit...I am not thinking of waanting to d othis...I just saw it and had never seen it before, and was curious if anyone else had ever seen it...ok.....
Sanford, I'll need to look at that when I get home..my computer here at work doesn't have the updated flash program on it...and I can't download it...stupid administrators......but I think Gordon Walker WAS the piper I saw.
Chad