for Jock

**OC Richard** · 25th January 14, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by Nathan

Looking good Richard. Please understand that I have no issue with ghillie brogues, I own two pairs. I was just needling Jock about his previous statements on the matter...

It's odd, about Ghillies. They occupy a strange place in traditional Highland Dress.

Army usage is on all fours with the traditional civilian usage which shows up in early 20th century Highland Dress catalogues: buckled shoes for formal Evening attire (Mess Dress and Levee Dress in the Army) and plain ordinary brogues for Day attire (working dress and the less formal No2 Dress in the Army). The Army has no mode of dress which uses ghillies.

Ironically Ghillies show up only as Evening shoes, with buckles attached, in early Highland Dress catalogues.

In the 19th century it's clear that ghillies were thought of as being rustic footwear, usually being made of roughout tan leather. It's pipers who always seem to have favoured them.

**Nathan** · 25th January 14, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

Ironically Ghillies show up only as Evening shoes, with buckles attached, in early Highland Dress catalogues.

I have buckles and short laces on one of my pairs of ghillie brogues. I still think the black ones are best suited to less formal black tie but they are just an alternative offering of black brogues after all. I wear them less frequently now because although they have thin souls, the metal heel piece in them bothers me. I don't like to click clack down the hallway. I'll have those removed at a cobbler's shop when I get around to it.

Alas, the great ghillie brogue debate has happened here many times, I shouldn't throw fuel on the fire.