Tartan at the Highland Games

[MacMillans son]

I would NEVER wear another clan at a clan function. It's just that sometimes clan organizations are being represented at the Highland games and I wondered would it be in bad taste to wear another clan in that type of environment or if the ol "wear what you please" rule would allow it?

Ah, that's where we may differ a bit I think. I consider the games as a clan function attended by multiple clans, so I attend those, figuratively, as a representative of my clan. If you perceive them as something different, as some others here do, then I guess the "wear what you please" mindset applies. So perhaps your perception of the games is what needs to be clarified, and then you can act according to your beliefs. As is evidenced by the variety of posts here, not all of us perceive the games in the same way.

Regardless of what you decide, I hope you have a great time!

[seanachie]

Ah, that's where we may differ a bit I think. I consider the games as a clan function attended by multiple clans, so I attend those, figuratively, as a representative of my clan. If you perceive them as something different, as some others here do, then I guess the "wear what you please" mindset applies. So perhaps your perception of the games is what needs to be clarified, and then you can act according to your beliefs. As is evidenced by the variety of posts here, not all of us perceive the games in the same way.

Regardless of what you decide, I hope you have a great time!

Brooke..I would presume, though, if I don't have a clan tartan you would be OK with a Universal tartan? I do understand it is a clan function and a sense of what that means but hopefully would not offend anyone's sensibilities. In my collection I have a Capercaillie and Highland Cathedral that are both wonderful kilts (sewn by John Hart (Keltoi)).

[Mael Coluim]

<snip>
What say the rabble? Would it be in poor taste to wear the Sutherland in this context?

Hugh

No. If that is the kilt you are comfortable wearing, do it. There are no kilt police in PA. If someone asks about it tell them why you are wearing it today. No one here really cares what you wear.

[Deil the Yin]

Well, you might consider the actual history of the two clans? You didn't say what your "true" clan is, so it might be prudent to take into account their history, if any, with the Sutherland Clan. Personally, given that you are going to the games to affiliate with YOUR clan and that a clan's tartan is the utter outward expression of affiliation and not to mention the still sometimes touchy rivalry of Highland clans, I would wear my affiliated clan's tartan- that is most appropriate. Even without any "history" to speak of between the two clans in question, folks are apt to be "put off" if they become aware of your anomaly. You might want to be prepared to do a lot of explaining, which I'm guessing could be an uphill battle.

Furtherto, I wouldn't honestly think that there would be a great difference in how hot your kilts will be if they are both wool (it can't be THAT hot in Pennsylvania, can it?). You could compensate by modifying your footwear and what you wear above the kilt to help stay cool, to wit: don't wear a belt, wear short sleeve shirt or t-shirt, don't wear hose (ie sandals or flip-flps) or scrunch down your hose or wear hose with considerable less wool content. And drink LOTS of water. These are all things I consider given warm weather, and here in South Georgia (CSA), it's a BIG consideration...

Happy gaming!

Cheers,
Wesley

[bdkilted]

As a clan convener, and one who wears his clan tartan kilt in the TEXAS heat....
Where your clan tartan. Your in PA, you don't know what hot is. LOL
I love seeing my clansmen in their tartans and it helps me to recruit new members when they see others in the clan tartan. Show your pride.

[Jock Scot]

As a clan convener, and one who wears his clan tartan kilt in the TEXAS heat....
Where your clan tartan. Your in PA, you don't know what hot is. LOL
I love seeing my clansmen in their tartans and it helps me to recruit new members when they see others in the clan tartan. Show your pride.

Alright then, educate me. So how hot is it in Texas?

[piperdbh]

Alright then, educate me. So how hot is it in Texas?

Imagine you're the Christmas fruitcake that needs to bake for three hours. Now multiply that by 7 months.

[Joshua]

For what it's worth, I have 3 different tartans I wear. 2 of them are so-called "Universal" tartans and are mostly for knocking about (or being festive).

If I were spending any significant time at my clan tent, working with or around other members, then I would most certainly wear my clan tartan.

If I were at a games to compete, I'd probably wear my USAK Casual in Caledonia - it's PV, about 5 yards of sewn-down knife-pleats, affixed with velcro, and the "coolest" kilt I own (temperature-wise). But, then again, Florida is subtropical and can get pretty warm, even during the so-called "winter" months.

[bdkilted]

It has been over 100 degrees every day for the past 45 days. The last several weeks are averaging 108. We are used to it being warm, but this is extreme even for us. On the up side though, crime has gone down. Even the devil himself is staying out of Texas, because he said it is hotter than Hell.

[Deil the Yin]

Even the devil himself is staying out of Texas, because he said it is hotter than Hell.

Yeah... and he's in Georgia, where it's hot AS hell. That aint no joke neither! It's only funny cause it's true.