2011-12 Photos of the Argyllshire Gathering and Oban Games

[creagdhubh]

What I meant was that most of the people who are wearing the kilt are 'dressed up' for the event and belong to Jock's list of 'active' participants. They seem, to me, to be a good representation of THCD and their attire is well suited to the context of being officially involved in some aspect of the event.

The 'passive' participants at this particular games are mostly not wearing the kilt, though Kyle has mentioned that some of the ones who do might wear more casual outfits. Their context pertains to being general spectators, without the benefit of the chairs afforded to the members who financially support the games.

My observation is related to the context, as it has been presented in pictures and commentary on this thread, about this particular games. It would appear that active participants are more likely to dress up to THCD daywear standards. Passive participants appear less likely to wear a kilt, but also to demonstrate a slightly broader range of attire when they are kilted.

Very well put, Colin. Your assessment of the context as it relates to both "active and passive" participation is absolutely spot on!

Cheers,

[Jock Scot]

I am not at all sure, Colin, that I would put most of the "members" on the "active" list, although their support behind the scenes would most definitely put them on the passively active list and some would as family, friends and guests, just enjoy the event! Alright the Duke had an official function to hand out the prizes, he may have opened the games as the senior local dignitary too, but the other members are there to enjoy the occasion in whatever way suites them and being involved in any official capacity during the event is not something that many would be involved with. No they are there on the day for the same reasons as those spectators sat on the grass.

I would not(never have) put band members in the THCD bracket as band members and indeed solo pipers are expected to dress appropriately, nor would I ever put highland games competitors or dancers in that group either.

[HenryT]

I would not(never have) put band members in the THCD bracket as band members and indeed solo pipers are expected to dress appropriately, nor would I ever put highland games competitors or dancers in that group either.

Agreed...

[JSFMACLJR]

I am not at all sure, Colin, that I would put most of the "members" on the "active" list, although their support behind the scenes would most definitely put them on the passively active list and some would as family, friends and guests, just enjoy the event! Alright the Duke had an official function to hand out the prizes, he may have opened the games as the senior local dignitary too, but the other members are there to enjoy the occasion in whatever way suites them and being involved in any official capacity during the event is not something that many would be involved with. No they are there on the day for the same reasons as those spectators sat on the grass..

For so many of the members, it really is a big family day. People bring picnics, and have a relaxed, fun time with no worries about what to wear or how to behave. Many members have house parties and bring their guests not only to the Gathering in the day, but also to the ball that evening. It's funny how the members enclosure tends to empty out fairly early in the afternoon so that there is plenty of time to take naps before the evening's festivities... which themselves tend to end around dawn!

[creagdhubh]

For so many of the members, it really is a big family day. People bring picnics, and have a relaxed, fun time with no worries about what to wear or how to behave. Many members have house parties and bring their guests not only to the Gathering in the day, but also to the ball that evening. It's funny how the members enclosure tends to empty out fairly early in the afternoon so that there is plenty of time to take naps before the evening's festivities... which themselves tend to end around dawn!

Sandy,

This sounds just like us Macphersons during our annual gathering that coincides with the Newtonmore Highland games. Many retire for a bit of a snooze after all the chatting, reuniting and spectating concludes on The Eilan, in preparation for a long, exciting night at the Duke of Gordon Hotel in Kingussie - just up the old A9 from Newtonmore. It's always a grand time!

[CMcG]

I am not at all sure, Colin, that I would put most of the "members" on the "active" list, although their support behind the scenes would most definitely put them on the passively active list and some would as family, friends and guests, just enjoy the event! Alright the Duke had an official function to hand out the prizes, he may have opened the games as the senior local dignitary too, but the other members are there to enjoy the occasion in whatever way suites them and being involved in any official capacity during the event is not something that many would be involved with. No they are there on the day for the same reasons as those spectators sat on the grass.

My distinction between active and passive participants is based on whether the attendee has contributed in some way beyond purely being a spectator. I would include financial support as an active form of participation, and the members have the chairs to prove it I suppose the friends and family of the members who came as guests without any other form of active participation are a bit of grey area. Nonetheless, they are in the members area and that gives them at least a para-official reason to be there -- and to be kilted.

But perhaps I'm missing something? Is there some other explanation for why the number of kilts and general standard of attire in the members area is so much higher than among the general spectators? I'm guessing that if there had been seating for general, non-member spectators, that it wouldn't have made too much difference to the number of kilts, but I could be wrong...

I would not(never have) put band members in the THCD bracket as band members and indeed solo pipers are expected to dress appropriately, nor would I ever put highland games competitors or dancers in that group either.

Yes, of course. I should have been more clear that I meant traditional Highland civilian dress (T.H.C.D.), by definition, would only refer to the civilians, most of whom appear to be members or officials. Performers or competitors would be considered to be "in uniform." The sum of these two groups appears to make up the majority of kilt wearers at this games.