Please opine about the Robert Mackie bonnets.

**Braw Cathairneach** · 1st March 17, 04:35 PM

Please opine about the Robert Mackie bonnets. Do Mackie crowns lay over better to the side than less expensive bonnets? My less expensive balmorals dinnae ha’e much to layover causing them to appear more like a military beret. I’m seeking an effect that lays more of the crown off to the side. More of a mufti v. military effect. Opinions on tied bows v. flat bows or ribbons will also be appreciated. Can anyone recommend a purveyor of Robert Mackie balmorals?

**ShaunMaxwell** · 1st March 17, 05:22 PM

I have three Mackie bonnets (two diced and one plain) and like them very much. They are well made and a good value for money. Personally, I find the diced versions a bit more comfortable to wear.

I find that they "lay over" nicely (especially if "jocked" properly), though not to the extreme, as on "Outlander" (which to my eye seems outlandish!). (See thread "Jocks new balmoral": http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...almoral-57667/)

I prefer tied ribbons, as it's often windy here and having ribbons whipping across my face is something I'd find annoying.

J. Higgins has the best prices I've found: https://www.jhiggins.net/balmorals/

Hope that helps!

SM

**McMurdo** · 1st March 17, 06:10 PM

I have 2 Mackie balmorals and love them, I also have one from Glengarry Hats which I loved until I got the Mackie's. Here are some photos to give you an idea of how they look.

I purchased both of these from an eBay seller.

**GrainReaper** · 1st March 17, 06:25 PM

A good Jocking does wonders for most any bit of woolen head gear...

**Jock Scot** · 2nd March 17, 02:56 AM

Crikey! I have not looked at that thread for ages, and am sorry that most of my pictures have gone and one added, it is my picture, but NOT added by me! Some while ago some unknown "kind soul" deleted most of my photo bucket pictures, so I wonder if that has anything to do with the picture problems? I am not sure that I can replace the pictures------I may have them on a memory stick, so I will see what I can do later today.

Sorry everyone.

**GrainReaper** · 2nd March 17, 04:50 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Crikey! I have not looked at that thread for ages, and am sorry that most of my pictures have gone and one added, it is my picture, but NOT added by me! Some while ago some unknown "kind soul" deleted most of my photo bucket pictures, so I wonder if that has anything to do with the picture problems? I am not sure that I can replace the pictures------I may have them on a memory stick, so I will see what I can do later today.

Sorry everyone.

I've just revisited the thread, yup, the pics are gone, but can you edit that thread after so long to replace pics?

I think I posted pics of me jocking a balmoral in the creek behind my house, the blasted thing froze over on me and thankfully we had a thaw so I could retrieve my hat! To date it's my best fitting/wearing balmoral

**Jock Scot** · 2nd March 17, 05:36 AM

Personally I would say that Robert Mackie bonnets are a Rolls Royce product. I think that I mentioned somewhere in that long thread that I asked for the crown to be made smaller than the present day fashion, to match up with the size of its 30 year old predecessor. It was done willingly without a murmur, or extra charge.

As to the ribbons, you only need a swipe in the eye from a damp ribbon on a wet windy day to get them tied, or you can do as my brother did and cut them off. Its just a matter of personal choice what you decide to do, really.

**Braw Cathairneach** · 2nd March 17, 07:01 PM

??? My contextual understanding of jocking-the-bonnet implies an assortment of abuse to prematurely age a new bonnet. I’ve been unable to locate a concise definition of jocking. Is my understanding correct? Is premature aging the intended result? Is shaping the intended result? Ha’e I overlooked something? Please clarify jocking the bonnet for me. All’ya’all’s opinions will be very much appreciated.

**McMurdo** · 2nd March 17, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by Braw Cathairneach

??? My contextual understanding of jocking-the-bonnet implies an assortment of abuse to prematurely age a new bonnet. I’ve been unable to locate a concise definition of jocking. Is my understanding correct? Is premature aging the intended result? Is shaping the intended result? Ha’e I overlooked something? Please clarify jocking the bonnet for me. All’ya’all’s opinions will be very much appreciated.

I personally let them age on their own. I see no need to help the practice along.

**Jock Scot** · 3rd March 17, 01:46 AM

Originally Posted by Braw Cathairneach

??? My contextual understanding of jocking-the-bonnet implies an assortment of abuse to prematurely age a new bonnet. I’ve been unable to locate a concise definition of jocking. Is my understanding correct? Is premature aging the intended result? Is shaping the intended result? Ha’e I overlooked something? Please clarify jocking the bonnet for me. All’ya’all’s opinions will be very much appreciated.

I think the term "jocking" first saw the light of day in the thread that Shaun Maxwell highlighted in post 2 in this thread. I have just waded through my old thread and post 76 is where it was suggested first as a bit of fun and you are right, its meaning is exactly as you say. Yes time will achieve the same thing, but the Highland Scots have an aversion to any item of clothing looking new!