Quote Originally Posted by Tobus View Post
Well, this thread is bordering on rule-breaking, but I think that was very well stated, Jock.

Virtually every political/military/social entity in history has something to be ashamed of. Even here in America, those who proudly wear the uniform shouldn't be expected to carry the burden of past wrongs (say, for example, the wholesale murder and relocation of Native Americans conducted by the US military, which was in many ways similar to the Highland Clearances but much more brutal). If one tries to put past deeds onto present members, it becomes a no-win situation for everybody. And it serves absolutely no purpose. It is indeed best if people remember the past for what it is and stop trying to put the burdens of those actions committed by people hundreds of years ago onto modern folks. There's no point in it. We live in today, not the past. Let's remember history, striving not to repeat it, but attempting to make our world better for having learned those lessons.

That said, I love seeing photos like these! Especially the great examples of mixing 'ancient' or 'weathered' scheme plaids with modern colour kilts.

Now, for a specific question to those who know: it looks like most of those kilts are pleated with so-called military box pleats, judging by the tight grouping of red lines. But the photo of the sword dance looks kinda like one of the kilts (the one swishing) may be knife pleated. I can't really tell. But I do notice that some of the kilts, like in the first photo, show more of the horizontal stripe pattern in the pleats, while others show only the red vertical stripes. So are all these kilts pleated the same, or are some different? Unfortunately, there aren't many photos where the pleats are visible from the rear.
Well said, Tobus and thank you for your contribution. As far as your question regarding the pleating style of the kilts in which the Atholl Highlanders wear, I agree with you. It appears that most of them are pleated in the so-called military box pleat fashion (which is understandable), yet I do see what you are referring to in regards to the lads dancing. Their kilts do appear to be knife pleated, yet it's difficult for me to tell as well. Perhaps one of our kilt-makers will chime in. I'll see if I have any more photos of the Atholl men in their kilts...specifically rear shots of their kilts.

Cheers,