Aboyne Highland Games Photos - Various

[Tobus]

A couple of interesting items in this picture...

I notice that several of the gentlemen are wearing lapel pins with plant badges just above them (these are seen in the very first picture of the OP as well). As well as ties with some sort of crest/badge just below the knot. Is this a clan-specific thing? Those two gentlemen appear to be standing together, with similar accoutrements. I'm no tartan expert, so I have no idea if their tartans are of the same clan.

I also noticed that there is an abundance of brown shoes. I was under the impression that, while brown is perfectly acceptable for daywear, black shoes seemed to be the standard (regardless of the colour of sporran).

I find it curious also that no tattersal shirts are seen in any of the photos. Unless the patterns got "washed out" in the lighting, it appears that they are all wearing solid-coloured shirts.

And since it's been on my mind lately, I do notice a variety of tie knots being used. Some are obviously Four-in-hand, while others seem to be of the Half-Windsor or Windsor variety.

I see a lot of Balmoral tails that are untied. Not that there's anything unusual about it per se, but it's something I did notice. I would have expected to see the majority of them tied.

[davidg]

the gentlemen are wearing lapel pins with plant badges just above them

I was not there and cannot say for certain but they look like sprigs of heather to me. My guess would be that the lapel badges are association badges of that particular highland games association and the gent nearest us looks like he may be the chieftain of the games

As well as ties with some sort of crest/badge just below the knot. Is this a clan-specific thing?

Again, an educated guess says these are that particular games association's tie

I also noticed that there is an abundance of brown shoes. I was under the impression that, while brown is perfectly acceptable for daywear, black shoes seemed to be the standard (regardless of the colour of sporran).

Many believe that the leather colour should match, many do not share that view. It is quite proper, as you say, to wear brown shoes for daywear but always black for evening. Many people simply do not own brown shoes because they do not wear them on a daily basis and that may be why you do not see so many wearing them with highland dress

I find it curious also that no tattersal shirts are seen in any of the photos.

I don't know why you think it curious. Plain shirts are the norm

[tulloch]

Those are very nice photos. Thank you for posting them.

[Tobus]

I don't know why you think it curious. Plain shirts are the norm

Plain shirts may be the norm, but I have been told on numerous occasions (and seen photo evidence) that tattersal shirts are regularly worn as well. I was not expecting to see a whole lot of tattersal shirts, but to see none surprised me a little.

[Chas]

Without knowing for sure, I would guess that the green tie was either the tie of the games (all the men wearing it were officials of some sort), or, more likely, it is the tie of the local Agricultural Association.

In the presentation picture the certificate is worded "The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society" and the gent in the middle is being presented by two men wearing the tie.

Regards

Chas

[davidg]

Plain shirts may be the norm, but I have been told on numerous occasions (and seen photo evidence) that tattersal shirts are regularly worn as well

I have to be honest and say I have never seen them worn but then I have never really looked that closely either so I am sure that sometimes they will be

[piperchris]

Great pictures! Thank you for sharing! I would have loved to have particpated in this!

[creagdhubh]

Plain shirts may be the norm, but I have been told on numerous occasions (and seen photo evidence) that tattersal shirts are regularly worn as well. I was not expecting to see a whole lot of tattersal shirts, but to see none surprised me a little.

Me too. I have seen chaps wearing such shirts more at Highland games and gatherings in Inverness-shire, and further to the west in Argyllshire.

[creagdhubh]

Without knowing for sure, I would guess that the green tie was either the tie of the games (all the men wearing it were officials of some sort), or, more likely, it is the tie of the local Agricultural Association.

In the presentation picture the certificate is worded "The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society" and the gent in the middle is being presented by two men wearing the tie.

Regards

Chas

You are indeed correct, Chas.

[creagdhubh]

I was not there and cannot say for certain but they look like sprigs of heather to me. My guess would be that the lapel badges are association badges of that particular highland games association and the gent nearest us looks like he may be the chieftain of the games



Again, an educated guess says these are that particular games association's tie



Many believe that the leather colour should match, many do not share that view. It is quite proper, as you say, to wear brown shoes for daywear but always black for evening. Many people simply do not own brown shoes because they do not wear them on a daily basis and that may be why you do not see so many wearing them with highland dress



I don't know why you think it curious. Plain shirts are the norm

They are indeed wearing sprigs of heather on their lapels - more of a decorative thing, and not necessarily denoting a specific plant badge, as the wearing of purple or white heather on a jacket lapel, regardless if it is one's plant badge or not, is somewhat common practice at various gatherings and games.

I have heard many times, that brown shoes are more acceptable with red-based tartans, but again, it comes down to personal preference. Black shoes are definitely the norm in Scotland, and always look good with Highland day attire, regardless of tartan colour!

I think in Scotland, you tend to see more tattersal shirts with country attire, and not specifically Highland day attire - though I have seen many Macphersons in Badenoch wear check shirts with their Highland attire (to include myself!). I have also seen these done more on the west coast of Scotland, as Highland dress there tends to be more ornate and not as predictable as what I have seen at various games on the east coast of Scotland and even into parts of Perthshire - again, it's a matter of personal tastes and preferences.

Cheers,