Sqain dubhs at the Tattoo

**ctbuchanan** · 7th July 17, 08:59 AM

I'll be participating in the Edinburgh Tattoo this August with the Clan Buchanan as part of the 'Splash of Tartan' theme.
We have received several emails with instructions from the Brigadier.

There have been many discussions on this forum about wearing weapons including sgian dubhs, over in Scotland. I thought that the official stance of the Tattoo was interesting and certainly understandable.

8. Weapons. There will be no weapons unless you have already made a special arrangements with The Tattoo. There are definitely no sgian dubhs.

**Taskr** · 7th July 17, 09:33 AM

The tradition of the SD being what it is, and the public environment generally being intolerant of blades of any type, do we keep the look of the SD for the sake of traditional appearance by having a blank in place of the blade? I'm considering this beyond those who choose to wear SBrews and such. Thinking more about a band making the decision for all to wear a bladeless SD to maintain a traditional look. Maybe they do already?

**Jock Scot** · 7th July 17, 09:35 AM

That does not surprise me. Better safe than sorry from the Brigadier's point of view, who is taking the view that any reduction of sharp pointy things swanning around in the crowd will assist his blood pressure more than somewhat. Remember too that the UK has had a couple of very recent terrorist events involving knives ending in deaths of the innocent. Also remember, that the Tattoo is held in the centre of the City of Edinburgh, where people and alcohol are there in abundance at the peak of the tourist season. A sad but wise decision in my view.

**48HofC** · 8th July 17, 12:20 PM

I find it kinda funny because I did the tattoo once with the South African police Zulu dancers and they had 7 foot spears....times they are a changing....

**The Q** · 8th July 17, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by 48HofC

I find it kinda funny because I did the tattoo once with the South African police Zulu dancers and they had 7 foot spears....times they are a changing....

When you see the troops marching down the royal mile with fixed bayonets, and they have to have a private security guard at the front and back of each section you realise how much things have changed!!!

**OC Richard** · 9th July 17, 04:31 PM

Well I just looked at some photos of the 2016 Tattoo and there was a sgian in every sock, and dozens of swords and dirks too.

**Panache** · 9th July 17, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

Well I just looked at some photos of the 2016 Tattoo and there was a sgian in every sock, and dozens of swords and dirks too.

Well, Richard

That is just so 2016...

Cheers

Jamie

**Chris Lesutis** · 12th July 17, 11:26 PM

This happens a lot now, can't seem to wear one to any organised event without some major hoop jumping.

This is why I end up making more sgian brews as I do sgian dubhs.... people just don't want the hassle of being questioned on the spot.

If you need something for the tattoo I might be able to help out.

**figheadair** · 13th July 17, 03:59 AM

I no longer wear a sgian dubh so it's not an issue and whist I get it, it does seem like a further cultural diminuition by the overly cautious. I've just walked up to the NMS from Princes Street and must have seen at least a dozen people kilted and wearing a sgian dubh, including several on the Royal Mile.