Versatility of the Hunting Sporran.

[McMurdo]

Further to what Matt has said above, thanks for using me as an example Matt, here are a few photos to illustrate the versatility of the hunting type sporran. When I first started wearing the kilt I had my dads old kilt and sporran made in 1950 from A&J Scott and co. Aberdeen. The sporran is a plain brown daywear sporran. Burns Night came around and I felt I needed a dressier sporran so I got a hunting type sporran with a chrome cantle. here is the picture all decked out with the Prince Charlie.

Now though I would not wear the outfit exactly that way now it does illustrate that a hunting style sporran could work for black tie. I've since given the sporran away.

As for the hunting style sporran from Ferguson Britt I have two of them the Brown Muskrat shown by Matt and a Black Leather with Skunk fur. I find the black one to be about the most versatile sporran I own, I do not wear it for Black Tie events only because I also have a Sealskin sporran but I think I could if I needed to as it is I've worn it with everything from a T-Shirt to Smart Daywear.








I think if I needed or wanted to I could use this sporran with the Prince Charlie or even the Montrose for a more formal outfit. One day I'll try it and post photos.

As for the brown muskrat I normally wear it like Matt has shown with a Day wear outfit

[Dall_Piobaire]

Lookin sharp there MacMurdo!

Thanks Matt, I hoped you would show up!

Now, here is what I was told by my Grandfather, and uncles, all trads, all Boyds, well, of course. The hunting kilt was usually in a earthy colour for a camo effect, and was not to be worn as the formal "dress", but for shooting or hunting. I don't know about the Sporran, per se, as they mostly had either hair or fur, or just plain leather.

Now, I am a piper, and once truly back into the swing of things, will be in competetion, and, hopefully, working proffessionally. I want to portray I respectable prefessional look, and one that also honours my family. I would wear hair, goat or horse, but not fur. So, that leaves me in leather.

Really the big issue is that when people hire a piper they higher the look as well, even if they only have a romanticized idea of what that look is!.

I could be wrong here, just my thoughts, but, as helpful as the old sketches and photos are, aren't they all really posed for? In other words, and with the nature of early photography in mind, wouldn't one trot out the best he had to offer for such an occasion.

Just my thoughts, I am by no means any authority! But I do value the opinions and thoughts of those here. After all when we were the kilt we represent each other as well as the certain spirit of a treasured heritage.