A Multitude of Photographical Examples of How I approach Traditional Highland Dress

[creagdhubh]

Greetings all,

Yes, I know, it is a rather long title and as you will soon observe, there are many, many photos within this thread. I recently informed many of you that I would scan several photos from my many albums that are of myself, my wife, my family, my clan, and my friends at various Scottish events and/or in Scotland. The main purpose of this thread is to give everyone, especially kilt newbies, an example of ways to wear Highland dress, specifcially day and evening attire. By no means am I attempting to tell everyone that this way, my way, of wearing Highland attire is the only way, or even the correct way, however, I have had a multitude of influences on how to properly wear Highland dress from my own family, as well as from my own clan that I think you may find rather interesting.

Several of the photos may have nothing to do with Highland attire at all, but are still pertinent, as they are part of my ongoing "introduction" to the many experienced, more seasoned veterans of XMTS. I have found this wonderful forum to be an invaluable source of inspiration for continuing my evolution of thinking with regards to correct Highland attire, and the manner of wearing it. A heartfelt "thank you" goes out to many of you who have continually informed, inspired, educated, motivated, instructed, and advised in matters that deal specifically with traditional Highland attire. I look forward to reading many more of your conversations on various topics of interest. Please enjoy my photos taken over the past several years.



Sir William Alan Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie, TD, his friend, Lady Hilary, my wife, Stephanie and myself at the 2008 Clan Macpherson-U.S. Branch, annual general meeting in Monterey, California. Keen observers will note that my lovely wife, Stephanie Macpherson, is wearing her sash incorrectly. In a fierce attempt not to be late for the ball, I quickly helped her with her sash and totally forgot to have it going across her right shoulder (how Lady Hilary is wearing it), not her left as shown-that manner of wearing the sash is strictly for women who are the head of a clan. It was quickly changed later that night! Whoops!!!


Sandy Macpherson of Edinburgh (an armiger) and myself in Hollister, California. Note the sweater I wear with my Macpherson red ancient. I like to match sweater colors with my kilt hose (hidden from view: I am wearing navy kilt hose) to give a relatively even look throughout-even though it really doesn't matter too much!


Lachlan Mackintosh (wearing the Mackintosh hunting tartan) and myself speaking at a luncheon in Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Note the sprig of white heather in my Balmoral-the plant badge of the Clan Macpherson.


Myself and my good friend, piper, Matt Pantaleoni at a local middle school. I taught a lesson on the cultural connections between Scotland and the U.S. I suprised the class by having Matt play the pipes outside on the track. Note the pleating to the stripe on my Macpherson hunting ancient kilt. Also, I do not wear ghillie brogues at all. The shoes I have on are Loake 202, full brogues, made in England.


Two very different examples of Highland dress. Me speaking with a local reenactor of the 42nd Highland Regiment, the Black Watch, at a local St. Patrick's Day celebration/parade. Note my cromach and animal mask sporran.


My cooperating teacher and I at the middle school where I taught the cultural connections lesson. Note the smooth, black leather kilt belt (made by L&M) and buckle with my Clan Macpherson badge-I sometimes wear only a belt when I do not feel like wearing the waistcoat that goes with my daywear jackets. I am also wearing a necktie that depicts the coat of arms of the Clan Macpherson Association-approved for wear by our Chief. I also wear a three tassle, L&M, black leather sporran with matching strap.


Cluny and I at the 2007 annual general meeting in Detroit, Michigan. Note the rather plain, white rabbit dress sporran I am wearing and the Prince Charlie coatee. I have since sold the coatee on eBay, when I decided to wear the Regulation Doublet like my Chief does. Cluny's kilt is the dress Macpherson and his hair sporran with unique cantle design, are both very old and were passed down to him. Cluny also wears a custom silver badge on his doublet. It is the badge of "The Guardians of the Clan Macpherson." Any member of the clan who donates a specific amount to the Clan Macpherson Museum in Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, Scotland, is added to the list of official "guardians" of the clan and is allowed to wear the badge of the "guardians" in place of their clansman's badge. The badges are custom made out of sterling silver by Garth Duncan of Skye.


Me, George McPherson, and Dr. John Clark at the Dalwhinnie distillery in Dalwhinne, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Note the very casual look I have going on-grey v-neck sweater, Macpherson hunting ancient kilt, grey hose, black flashes, plain leather sporran, and plain semi-brogues (hidden).


Me in the hills overlooking the Spey river valley-somewhere in Badenoch! Note my hiking boots; I do have Wellington boots (Welly's), yet opted not to wear them, thick charcoal grey sweater, plain sporran, and my wee rucksack, packed full of essentials (whisky and oatcakes! LOL!)