Sgian Dhu Ban for Bannockburn 2014

[guardsman]

Wonder when last stabbing with a sgian dubh took place ?

[opositive]

my, that's an offensive weapon, that is.
-monty python and the holy grail

[creagdhubh]

I read this in the Scottish version of the Times. The Times story says that "the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), which is organising the event, claimed that it was illegal for the traditional dagger to be worn in a public place, despite them having a special exemption under law." I am pleased to note that the "Scotsman's" story is not as incorrect. (Times P16 29 July - sorry dont know how to upload link)

As a member of the NTS I have taken the liberty of writing to them by e-mail. I have expressed concern that their statement is inaccurate. I go on to say that it ill fits an organisation that looks to support Scotland's heritage and that, by implication, they are branding the wearers of national dress as security risks.

I qualify my comments by saying that I would happily support their stance if there is evidence that kilt wearers are involved in a significant amount of knife crime. I have asked if there are statistics on this - if not where is the risk.

I have indicated that the renewal of my subscription rests on their reply.

I will report any reply.

Peter

Well done, Peter!

[Harold Cannon]

I really dont carry one.

A good pocket knife is usually in my sporran but a sgain always seems to slide and makes my hose fall down over time.

I have gotten to the point that I dont even bother with a sgian anymore.

I did have the idea for an internal sheath in the back of my sporran at one point and I may still do that in one of my custom projects for myself.

[BBNC]

I really dont carry one.

A good pocket knife is usually in my sporran but a sgain always seems to slide and makes my hose fall down over time.

I have gotten to the point that I dont even bother with a sgian anymore.

I did have the idea for an internal sheath in the back of my sporran at one point and I may still do that in one of my custom projects for myself.

What about pocket knives...are they banned in the UK? I carry a moderate Swiss Army at all times and have been for 50 years.

[tpa]

What about pocket knives...are they banned in the UK?

The website for the event says any weaponry and sharp objects are banned, so take off your kilt pins and leave at home any pocket or table knives, forks, sharp pens and pencils, hairpins, cap badges and tail combs! However I see no ban on baseball bats, hammers, whips or steel toe capped boots for those intent on creating the expected mayhem outside of the re-enactment.

[Walter82]

They are bring together thousands of Scots, on a battlefield and all of whom will be bringing a wee dram or two in celebration of the humiliation of the English and they are worried about a dull blade the length of a thumb. Go figure.
Must have been and interesting meeting to decide that, certainly no one from Glasgow was present.

The website says (http://battleofbannockburn.com/ticke...urn-live-faqs/):

"Please note that alcohol and bottled drinks over 500ml are NOT permitted into the arena."

So bottles up to 500 ml are permitted! They seem to assume a knife the size of a wee vegetable peeler is the more likely weapon of choice for a drunk scot than a broken 500ml bottle.

More from the site:
"Can I wear national dress and period costume at the event? Yes of course! But please be advised that weaponry, including weaponry associated with costume, and any sharp objects are not permitted into the event arena. Only authorized participating re-enactors will be permitted to carry replica weaponry within the re-enactment village only."

So please dont bring your Kilt pin unless you are a re-enactor then you can bring a broad sword. The wording seems to equate National Dress with Costume.

If in doubt about what you might wear they say:

"What should I wear?
Bannockburn Live is an outdoor, green field event in Scotland. Think practical and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for a Scottish summer! Fingers crossed for good weather but as we know, Scottish summer weather can change hourly with a mix of glorious sunshine or summer showers. Layering is best and something waterproof is advisable, as is stout footwear. You may even need to bring sunscreen."

Billy Connelly would have a field day with this lot.


"I've always wanted to go to Switzerland to see what the army does with those wee red knives."
Billy Connolly

[mookien]

... (Times P16 29 July - sorry dont know how to upload link) ... .

Peter

Peter,

Assuming I correctly understand the context of your "problem", you don't have to upload a link. Simply "copy" it from the address bar of your browser and "paste" it into your post, wherever you want it to appear.

John

[Peter Lowe]

Peter,

Assuming I correctly understand the context of your "problem", you don't have to upload a link. Simply "copy" it from the address bar of your browser and "paste" it into your post, wherever you want it to appear.

John

Thank you for your suggestion, John. Unfortunately you are dealing with a non subscriber to the Times online and someone who has difficulty copying anything.

Peter

PS Willing to learn!!

[mookien]

Thank you for your suggestion, John. Unfortunately you are dealing with a non subscriber to the Times online and someone who has difficulty copying anything.

Peter

PS Willing to learn!!

Peter: I tacitly, but perhaps incorrectly, assumed that you were reading the Times online via a web browser.

I, too, am a non subscriber to the Times online. I just chose a more or less random article from the Times - "Gathering of the Clans at Holyrood". I navigated to the article, copied the address at the top of my browser, and now will paste it below. We can see if it is active in this post by clicking on it.

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/u...cle2632512.ece

It looks good to me, so far.

John

PS: The link works for me.