Clan Farquharson Gathering Photos

[creagdhubh]

Greetings,

Lately, there has been much discussion on the forum regarding Highland attire being entirely ‘too’ traditional, borderline to downright ‘costumey,’ or simply ‘in bad taste' with loads of superfluous accoutrements worn for both day and evening events.

Below are several photographic examples that in my opinion, express to the observer a traditional sensibility of Highland day attire worn by native Scots in the Scottish Highlands. Most of the photos feature the present Chief of the Clan Farquharson (a leading Clan Chattan clan - along with the Macphersons) Captain Alwyne Arthur Compton Farquharson of Invercauld, 16th Baron of Invercauld and Omnalprie, MC, JP (MacFionnlaidh), where traditional Highland attire is especially and quite obviously apparent. Invercauld’s Highland attire is somewhat different than that of his clansmen; however, I do believe some of the members of the Clan Farquharson are also well turned out in their day attire – what do you think?

Do you think Invercauld's attire is too tradtional, or perhaps absolutely spot on? Now keep in mind, this is what he prefers to wear and what he likes - and just as is the case for my Chief, Sir William Alan Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie, TD, Baron of Blair, and many other Highland Chiefs, they are his choices and his choices alone. Enjoy.











Beannach’d libh,

[creagdhubh]

Here are several more:












Slainte mhath,

[be da veva]

Not too sure about the belt over the vest.... But very nice set of pictures.

[creagdhubh]

Not too sure about the belt over the vest.... But very nice set of pictures.

I am sure it is highly likely a tradition in which Invercauld has always observed. And when wearing a dirk with a waistcoat, mainly with evening attire and if even worn to begin with, the waistbelt would go around the waistcoat and not underneath. I have seen this done (not often by any means) at various social events in Scotland, as well as seeing it done by a young HRH Prince Charles in a particular photo.

Cheers,

[MacSpadger]

Ballater, by the look of it. Gah, homesick now. I have seen Farquharson of Invercauld open the games for years now, and he and his good lady usually feature in the colour programme. He is always turned out well, as in these photos.

Not all Clan chiefs are as continually elegant like that, I have met one who wore an old jumper with holes through the elbows. I liked him a great deal. Another wears a kilt so old and ragged that it's said that it was give to him by the Good Samaritan. Again, he is well liked by me.

[creagdhubh]

Ballater, by the look of it. Gah, homesick now. I have seen Farquharson of Invercauld open the games for years now, and he and his good lady usually feature in the colour programme. He is always turned out well, as in these photos.

Yes, Ballater indeed and I couldn't agree more in regards to Invercauld.

Not all Clan chiefs are as continually elegant like that, I have met one who wore an old jumper with holes through the elbows. I liked him a great deal. Another wears a kilt so old and ragged that it's said that it was give to him by the Good Samaritan. Again, he is well liked by me.

Agreed.

[Jock Scot]

The belt over the waistcoat is almost a signature for Invercauld, I know of few others that do it with day attire. A fine example of personal flair and not used for every occasion. For the rest, I would say a good sample of a variation on a theme for the attire and given that the pictures are mainly of a Clan gathering the general attire is a tad more smart than usually worn. I also note an Xmarks member lurking in one of the pictures.

[English Bloke]

... I also note an Xmarks member lurking in one of the pictures...

Spotted too Jock. Splendid pictures. Why would any of those finely turned out gentlemen be deemed as over-doing it? All looks great to me Kyle.


By the way, the sporran with brass cantle in the pic above is absolutely smashin' !! I'll bet that has some history.

Edit: His good Lady looks wonderful too I might add.

[creagdhubh]

I agree, John! I have never thought for one second that Invercauld is 'over doing it,' no way! I have always thought that he looks smashing and definitely traditional Highland dress to emulate. I posed the question again as it was addressed in another thread and thought it would be rather interesting if the same question(s) were addressed to these photos.

I love Invercauld's sporran as well, especially his Scottish Wildcat animal-mask sporran, which is very fitting since he and his clan are a part of the great Clan Chattan Confederation and the Scottish Wildcat is the totem and crest of many Clan Chattan clan chiefs.

Lady Invercauld is always well turned out as well - quite the elegant couple!

Cheers,

[guardsman]

relaxed elegance, admirable