Belting the Plaid: How'd They Do It??

[Woodsheal]

So, basically what you gents seem to be saying is that these portrait subjects used our common method - throwing the plaid out on the floor or ground and hand-pleating it - but were more careful about it? Not sure I'm buying that. I don't see how the precise, even pleating shown can be achieved that way.
What I think we perhaps see evidence of is "cheating" by the well-off, who probably did not spend 24 hours a day in their plaids like common clansmen did (unless on campaign). As mentioned previously, there are hints of belt-loops and draw-strings in the primary evidence, as well as servants' helping hands, as UC Guy brought up. I think these "upper crust" Highlanders were availing themselves of these or similar advantages in their desire to look fine!

As for these paintings themselves, I don't see much evidence of artistic license, except of course in the backgrounds. The details of weapons, uniforms and clothing, etc., are almost photographic....

[Nighthawk]

So, basically what you gents seem to be saying is that these portrait subjects used our common method - throwing the plaid out on the floor or ground and hand-pleating it - but were more careful about it? Not sure I'm buying that. I don't see how the precise, even pleating shown can be achieved that way.
What I think we perhaps see evidence of is "cheating" by the well-off, who probably did not spend 24 hours a day in their plaids like common clansmen did (unless on campaign). As mentioned previously, there are hints of belt-loops and draw-strings in the primary evidence, as well as servants' helping hands, as UC Guy brought up. I think these "upper crust" Highlanders were availing themselves of these or similar advantages in their desire to look fine!

As for these paintings themselves, I don't see much evidence of artistic license, except of course in the backgrounds. The details of weapons, uniforms and clothing, etc., are almost photographic....

I didn't so much mean artistic liscence as artistic interpretation. Give two artists the same apple, and you will get two different paintings of two different apples. As to the cheating by the well off- I won't argue with, but for, your assessment there. There was more than likely cheating and help going on. And no, my friend does not spend 24 hours a day in his either, of course. In fact, he only wear it a few times a year. But keeping it neatly pleated when it's not being worn has made natural creases in the tartan. This page has a picture of it unpleated and stretched out:

http://www.renscots.org/gallery.htm

Unfortunately this page has the only picture of him in his kilt...

http://www.renscots.org/clan.html

So annoyingly, you'll just have to trust me on the appearance of the pleats. I'll get a picture tomorrow at the Colorado Scottish Festival to show you.