Highlanders Discuss Highland Attire

[JSFMACLJR]

What a great thread! I have not contributed thus far, because I thought it important for the "natives" to do much of the talking. I have travelled quite a bit in the Highlands, and can only concur with the observations of our learned friends.

I am a great lover of photos, and always think they go a long way to illustrate a point. The problem might occur, though, when they become like "proof texts" in the hands of religious fundamentalists to defend their specific view on things. I am showing a few pics here (some of mine, some off the web) that show the kilt being worn in the Highlands in various situations.

1. The Stewards marching in Oban to the Argyllshire Gathering


2. A couple at a rainy Rannoch Games.


3. Some young men at a party before the Oban Ball.


4. Friends at a dance.


5. My friend Sandy and some MacLarens marching to a games.


6. Discussing the events.


7. The backside of an important Campbell.


8. Some ball-goers on Skye.


9. Sandy and others


10. Fellow ball-goer

[JSFMACLJR]

Guitarmatt enquired about the kilt being worn in the Western Isles. Here is a pic of revellers returning to Mull from Oban very early in the morning. While this pic isn't indicative of day-to-day wear, it does show men comfortable in the kilt, wearing it without fussing, and not really caring about "appropriate" outerwear. The ride across the Sound of Mull that morning (in August) was very cold...hence sweaters and tweed shooting jackets over nice velvet doublets on the smarter, more "mature" set; the young entries took no notice of the temperatures!

[Deil the Yin]

9. Sandy and others

Looks like the MacLarens trying to "break in line" again... I'd guess this is Lochearnhead HG? Which one are you Sandy?

MacGregor Despite Them!!!

[creagdhubh]

Looks like the MacLarens trying to "break in line" again... I'd guess this is Lochearnhead HG? Which one are you Sandy?

MacGregor Despite Them!!!

Love the photo!

[JSFMACLJR]

Looks like the MacLarens trying to "break in line" again... I'd guess this is Lochearnhead HG? Which one are you Sandy?

MacGregor Despite Them!!!

It's another Sandy: Alexander Stewart of Ardvorlich. He's second from the right.

[OC Richard]

1. The Stewards marching in Oban to the Argyllshire Gathering


This photo perfectly illustrates something I mentioned on the "evening sporrans- must they be fur?" thread, that it's common for the sporran to be of a formality matching the rest of the kit, and also for the sporran to be a notch more formal than the rest of the kit, but not common for the reverse.

So to my eye fur looks fine with Day Dress, but a plain leather sporran would look odd with Evening Dress.

8. Some ball-goers on Skye.


I love this quite traditional look of the long hair sporrans worn with civilian Evening Dress.

[MacLowlife]

10Buck,

You mentioned Brigadoon. Not too long ago there was a thread over on tartans and heraldry ( I think) in which "Brigadoonery" was discussed briefly. You may want to search for that word and see what was said there.

I come back to the calm of this thread from the ruckus over at "titles and rankings removed" and boy is it nice to see this topic and the useful information. My thanks to my kilted elders, whatever your age or location.

Gratefully,
M'LL

[wildrover]

One of the best threads I've read on this forum, thank you, gentlemen!

[creagdhubh]

1. The Stewards marching in Oban to the Argyllshire Gathering


This photo perfectly illustrates something I mentioned on the "evening sporrans- must they be fur?" thread, that it's common for the sporran to be of a formality matching the rest of the kit, and also for the sporran to be a notch more formal than the rest of the kit, but not common for the reverse.

So to my eye fur looks fine with Day Dress, but a plain leather sporran would look odd with Evening Dress.

8. Some ball-goers on Skye.


I love this quite traditional look of the long hair sporrans worn with civilian Evening Dress.

I do too, as I wear it that way myself! (Me, second from the left)