Chief Walking Stick...

[WVHighlander]

OK, gents. What is the story behind the walking stick I see the Chiefs walking with?

[Downunder Kilt]

Do you mean the cromach, if so, then it is merely a walking/hiking aid. I don't believe there is any traditional clan Chief uses for one. It is one of a number of styles that have origins in the farming world eg. a market stick (usually shorter)
A lot of members on this forum have at least one and I know for certain, they are not Clan Chiefs

Here is a site that specialises in them http://www.caledoniansticks.co.uk/Fu...%20walkers.htm

[davidlpope]

I think DK has answered your question, but from time to time I see chiefs at Games here in the States carrying around great knotty branch-like staffs, usually carved and shellaced, which I imagine some enthusiastic American clansman has created for them. There's a photo of the MacGregor floating around with such a stick at GMHG.

I don't think there's any traditional precedent, if this type of stick is what you have in mind.

[Chas]

Was it not Freud that said that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar?

When I go for a walk, I usually use a walking stick - one I made myself about 30 years ago.

Most pictures of Baden-Powell show him with a stick for the simple reason that he needed one.

Regards

Chas

[sailortats]

quote "A lot of members on this forum have at least one and I know for certain, they are not Clan Chiefs"

My dear Sir, are you insinuating that I might not be a clan chief????????????

[Friday]

I understand that long sticks with a large curved head

were used to catch sheep and were called Shepherd's Crook. They may be used because they are traditional.

Today they can be used to pull a friends beer across the table toward you when the friend look at the server as they walk away.

[unixken]

Today they can be used to pull a friends beer across the table toward you when the friend look at the server as they walk away.

Darn... my secret is out!

[Tobus]

Here's an old thread (now locked) that may help.

Basically, the cromach does tend to be used by today's chiefs for public appearances, but is not a status symbol or a mark of rank. It's just a stick. In the early 1900s, they were a common accessory when kilted.



Today, folks don't seem to use them as much. But I love the look of them, and got one myself (this is a traditional ram's horn cromach). I always get compliments when I use it. And it's incredibly handy to have when you're on your feet all day at a Highland Games.

[FatherWilliam57]

Tobus,

From whom did you acquire your cromack? It is a very handsome (and useful) stick.

[Thomas H]

I love Cromaches , I was told they represent a Shepard over a flock .

But any one can use one .They are awesome