Dress vs Hunting Tartan

[Pipersson]

I do too Tom, but that particular sett is really only traditionally worn by Alastair Macpherson of Pitmain, his family and those Macphersons descended from the cadet branch of Invereshie, of which Alastair is the Chieftain. The Pitmain sett also has much larger band of blue stripes. Of course, the tartan isn't restricted; all I'm saying is that the only people I've ever seen wear the Pitmain sett is Alastair and his immediate family.

Cheers,

Ah ok, Kyle...but in former times this sett was a common and general Macpherson tartan like Cluny B+W as far as I know...?!

Tom

And by the way...how do you find how my new bonnet is shaped ( a picture in my album).
Have a look if you don't mind ;-)

[creagdhubh]

Ah ok, Kyle...but in former times this sett was a common and general Macpherson tartan like Cluny B+W as far as I know...?!

Tom

And by the way...how do you find how my new bonnet is shaped ( a picture in my album).
Have a look if you don't mind ;-)

The Pitmain sett is a wee bit different from the typical "hunting" sett that most Macphersons are familiar with (see far right of the photo below), but I do understand what you are saying. Of course, the "hunting" Macpherson wasn't always referred to in this manner, that really didn't come about until much later when tartan manufacturers were creating tartans in all sorts of various colour schemes, and I think we are all aware of the history as far as that is all concerned. Long before those manufacturers came upon the scene during the tartan craze of the Victorian era, the "hunting" Macpherson was simply known as the 'Breacan Glas,' or "the grey plaid of Cluny." Originally, the lighter grey sections of the tartan were more of a white to off-white colour, and then gradually it was altered to a light to medium grey (or as a result from the white sections becoming dirty, or soiled from use). It's interesting, because even today at the annual Clan Macpherson Gathering in Inverness-shire, you will see Macphersons, to include Cluny, wearing the "hunting" Macpherson tartan, but they are all very different from one another. The colours vary; with some having light to medium grey, off-white, beige, a darker grey, and even a medium tan colour in their tartan! Naturally, many of the sett sizes vary too. The older kilts, typically worn by Macphersons native to the area, have very large setts, almost like a "zoomed in" effect, of which I rather like.

5-6.jpg

Cheers,

P.S. - Your bonnet looks great! Well done, cousin!

[Pipersson]

Thank you, cousin, for the explaination.
I have been wondering about this for a while.
Maybe next year I'll have the occasion to see all this if I manage to be at the gathering!

Thanks for your friendly judgement! It is a pleasure to wear it :-)

Bye and all the best,

Tom

[creagdhubh]

Thank you, cousin, for the explaination.
I have been wondering about this for a while.
Maybe next year I'll have the occasion to see all this if I manage to be at the gathering!

Thanks for your friendly judgement! It is a pleasure to wear it :-)

Bye and all the best,

Tom

Cheers, Tom! Yes, I hope that you can attend our annual gathering and rally one day soon. I know you will be welcomed with warm, Highland hospitality and you are certain to have a brilliant time!

Na bean don chat,

[Jamie McP]

I really appreciate all of this feedback. I have noticed that the tartans vary with the source of the tartan. I do like the "Macpherson Hunting" in any form and will probably go with some version of this for my next kilt.

[creagdhubh]

I really appreciate all of this feedback. I have noticed that the tartans vary with the source of the tartan. I do like the "Macpherson Hunting" in any form and will probably go with some version of this for my next kilt.

No worries, Jamie! The Macpherson hunting sett in any colour scheme, is an excellent choice of tartan for a kilt. Also, just to reiterate, I do have for sale a traditional, 8-yard kilt in the Macpherson hunting ancient tartan by Lochcarron. It's the 16 ounce, heavyweight (Strome) material and is pleated to the line. It's only been worn around 5 or 6 times and is practically in "like new" condition, with the three leather straps only showing signs of (slight) wear. Feel free to PM me for size details, et al if you are keen.

Here's the kilt (I can be seen holding the Bratach Uaine, or the Green Banner of the Clan Macpherson):



Cheers,