Quote Originally Posted by beloitpiper View Post
Now, I'm not talking about reenactors that have swords with historical purpose. I'm talking about the guys wearing the raggéd PC outfit with a huge feather in the caps, carrying an over sized claymore as if a ninja is going to jump in and steal the haggis. There's an 'honor guard' at all of the events in Wisconsin that parades around with flags and swords and it makes me laugh. Why is there such a stupid macho attitude at all of these Scottish events? Yes, clan have a war-torn past and the Scots are certainly fearless warriors, but at a civilian function, shouldn't we be acting civil?
Greg,

It is part of the fun!

The Address to a Haggis is actually a pretty funny poem. Bringing the simple haggis in on a silver platter with great ceremony, with an honor guard, led by a piper adds a certain wonderful ridiculousness to the poem that follows.

Burns himself had quite the sense of humor (see this link below)

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...8&postcount=38

I can't but help think that Robert Burns would have smiled broadly to see his poem to a sausage turned into such a delightfully fun production.

I'm not big on the whole weapons and kilts thing unless one is at some sort of costumed event like a Renaissance Faire, but I think that it is quite fine for a haggi procession

Cheers

Jamie :ootd: