what about the hardwear?

[RockyMount'sClanBrown]

I have never been to the highland games and I am curious to know if it's common to see weaponry at the highland games. Looking around the net, I see some people with claymores, axes, etc. Do many people carry claymores and the such for the fun of it or is that more of a Renaissance Festival thing?

[ChattanCat]

I see very few with much more than a skean dubh. Of course the reinactors have full battle dress but usually leave the swords in the arena. Dirks, to me, belong with pipers.

[Nighthawk]

Judging from your name, I'd say we're discussing the Highlands Ranch or Estes Park games, correct? Personally, I have an ancient dirk and a stag horn sgain dubh that I wear. It's not a faux pas to go armed I don't think, it's just not particularly common.

And by the way- from another Coloradoan.

[RockyMount'sClanBrown]

I have been to the Ren. Festival near Charlotte for the last several years and it seems like everyone there is armed. Then again, I saw a group of Klingons and a stormtrooper last year too. After reading and posting here, I kind of expect that the highland games group may be a different crowd and not as well armed. I have a 52" claymore that I may take for fun but, I didn't want to look like a total goof.

[Prester John]

I see very few with much more than a skean dubh. Of course the reinactors have full battle dress but usually leave the swords in the arena. Dirks, to me, belong with pipers.

What he said.

[emolas]

My personal opinion is that, unless you are a reenactor in period attire, walking around a Highland games with a sword strapped to your back is akin to walking around a rodeo with a shotgun on your shoulder. While accepted, it's pointless and there is no reason for it. That's just my opinion though, I have seen people at Highland games carrying all manner of large pointy objects.

[Nighthawk]

I have seen people at Highland games carrying all manner of large pointy objects.

OK. Let's leave my head out of the discussion.

[Highland Logan]

I would express the fact that Highland dress is just that... the national dress of Scotland... if you choose to make it a costume by adding weapons, ect, then you make not only yourself a joke but all of us by association to those who do not know what is or not correct.

Frank

[BoldHighlander]

In California you see everything. They sell a lot swords of varying eras (including fantasy) at the games, so its not surprising to see someone carrying one, especially at the larger games, or if the person is in some kind of period garb.

Best regards,

Jake

Highland games almost always have several vendors selling weapons (dirks, swords, axes, etc.). They are usually very poor quality, by the way. Once in a while I've seen someone buying one of those weapons. However, it's pretty uncommon to see anyone other than reenactors actually wearing a weapon larger than a dirk to a highland event.

I would agree with both these points as it is the case at our local (Bellingham) Games.
I have no problem with sgian dubhs or even dirks being worn (a lot of the military vets, e.g. S.A.M.S., will wear one), but what bothers me is the safety issue I've seen with teenagers flaunting larger swords that they just purchased. I know that around here they are suppose to be 18 yrs to buy one, but I have seen younger teens with them (either they belong to their friends or they got someone of age to buy them one). I've also seen a couple of near accidents with mishandling of these weapons. Short of banning the sale of them (& I'm for the guy being able to make a buck) I'm not sure what the answer is?

I would express the fact that Highland dress is just that... the national dress of Scotland... if you choose to make it a costume by adding weapons, ect, then you make not only yourself a joke but all of us by association to those who do not know what is or not correct.

Frank

I understand what your saying Frank, but I'd have to disagree with you if the intention is a historical representation.
I for one am intending to put together a researched outfit to represent the Mackays during the Thirty Years' War /ECW period for future events. It's as much to honor the proud heritage of the Mackays as it is an attraction in drawing folks into the booth & conversation (I've seen this used to great effect by Clan Anderson every year).
However I will not be walking around the grounds (except during the clan parade) with a two handed claymore strapped to my back I can assure you.

By the same token, if a clan wishes to carry historic weapons in the clan parade (such as a broadsword held aloft, leading the clan), or if a historical group is putting on a history demonstration, then I see nothing wrong with it.

But otherwise I'd say leave the swords at the booth, simply because with so many people usually packed together closely in the clan/vendor row, & the wee bairns running about, it can be a safety issue & a possible accident waiting to happen.

[thescot]

You are correct, not as well armed.

Many will carry a dirk, especailly an undressy dirk as you might carry when in the woods. But being armed, as such, is not common at the Highland games. You'll see the occassional fellow with a basket hilt or something, but it looks kind of silly to me.