Why so serious?

**beloitpiper** · 28th January 10, 09:00 PM

One thing I've noticed at Scottish events--why is it there's always that one guy who brings a big claymore just to carry around in a very serious manner? It happens at all the Highland Games, Burns Suppers, and Tartan Days that I attend, and it looks kinda silly. Are the Wisconsin events the only place that this happens, or do other places have these guys too?

If I'm just goin' crazy let me know, but sometimes it feels like these guys are just looking for any excuse to carry around a big sword in front of them--as if the English will storm the banquet hall!

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 28th January 10, 10:50 PM

Good question, and no, it's not a Wisconsin phenomenon.

**billmcc** · 28th January 10, 11:50 PM

It happens in Florida too.

**beloitpiper** · 29th January 10, 12:14 AM

I bring this up because of the first picture in Jack Daw's Burns Supper photos.

**HarborSpringsPiper** · 29th January 10, 01:09 AM

Same thing at the Burns Supper I attended. Guess we can safely rule out an isolated Great Lakes phenomenon. lol!

**cessna152towser** · 29th January 10, 02:11 AM

It happens in Scotland too.
Scotland's games have their fair share of characters, garishly dressed and often sporting large ornamental weaponry. Yet most of them walk around with a serious look on their faces and object when people want to photograph them.

**Phil** · 29th January 10, 02:54 AM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

It happens in Scotland too.
Scotland's games have their fair share of characters, garishly dressed and often sporting large ornamental weaponry. Yet most of them walk around with a serious look on their faces and object when people want to photograph them.

It's comforting to know that we don't have a monopoly on "fruitcakes" then.

**Jock Scot** · 29th January 10, 03:30 AM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

It happens in Scotland too.
Scotland's games have their fair share of characters, garishly dressed and often sporting large ornamental weaponry. Yet most of them walk around with a serious look on their faces and object when people want to photograph them.

Do you know, I don't recall seeing anyone like that at any of the Highland games that I have been to.

**cessna152towser** · 29th January 10, 03:40 AM

Do you know, I don't recall seeing anyone like that at any of the Highland games that I have been to.

Oh well, Jock, you will have to come along to some of the Highland games in the central lowlands or southern uplands of Scotland, there are some real characters who can be relied on to show up on the games circuit here year after year, full of their own self importance.

I have only once been to a highland games which was actually held in the Scottish Highlands and that was the Arisaig Games and yes, I'd have to agree with you, I did not encounter any of these very serious but very bizarrely dressed people at Arisaig.

**Jock Scot** · 29th January 10, 03:54 AM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

Oh well, Jock, you will have to come along to some of the Highland games in the central lowlands or southern uplands of Scotland, there are some real characters who can be relied on to show up on the games circuit here year after year, full of their own self importance.

I have only once been to a highland games which was actually held in the Scottish Highlands and that was the Arisaig Games and yes, I'd have to agree with you, I did not encounter any of these very serious but very bizarrely dressed people at Arisaig.

Ah Arisaig,what a beautiful place and they lay on a super little Highland games too. We used to go there a lot at one time and I suppose we still go a couple of times a year as it is one of our special places.