Campbell or Black Watch

[unixken]

Those are exactly the paragraphs I thought might answer your questions. ;)

[IsaacW]

Those are exactly the paragraphs I thought might answer your questions. ;)

Yup... And although the CCSNA is definitely authoritative. I just wanted further verification, before I spend monies on a wooly waist-cover! Thanks!

[IsaacW]

Thank you gents! I just would like to have a kilt that I do not need any crazy stories to explain... Something that fits traditionally and, being kiltfully conservative, can appease most folks.

Currently I have a Cameron of Erracht that I re-tailored from an exmilitary kilt I purchased as a student while in Scotland. It fit and price was right (I would have gone with a gov't sett at the time but none fit). My host family was of the attitude that tartans did not matter as they were a new invention... They convinced my historically indulged mind of this at the time. Now, I am a bit more conservative and leaning toward the fact that, although they are a "new" invention, the reality of people's attitudes toward tartan is a reality... And one I wish to uphold.

[figheadair]

The BW/Campbell debate is one of the oldest in the history of tartan study. Notwithstanding the Chief's claim he's was being a little economical with the facts surrounding the founding of the Regiment and it's simply not true to say that it was a Campbell one.

It terms of the tartan, I am unaware of any definitive proof of its use as a Campbell one before c1800. That doesn't invalidate its use now, 200+ years is a pretty good history.

[IsaacW]

It terms of the tartan, I am unaware of any definitive proof of its use as a Campbell one before c1800. That doesn't invalidate its use now, 200+ years is a pretty good history.

I would be somewhat surprised if it was in use by the clan before 1800, but then I am skeptical about a lot of "tartan history" pre-1800. BTW, I have been loving the info you have on your website, Peter! Fun reads!

Anyway, my interests in wearing this is for the modern day. If it is considered "Clan Acceptable" today, I will go with it. Heck, 200 years history is more that we see in a lot of areas around here without going to "prehistory." Not quite like the other side of the pond.

Isaac

[Nathan]

I think the important point to remember in this debate is that while the Campbells have claimed the government Sett as their own tartan, other clans have also claimed it as their hunting tartan etc... The main difference between Black Watch and say Buchanan is that since it belongs to the government, anyone can wear Black Watch without being accused of misrepresenting themselves as Campbells. It is truly a generic tartan because people from most every clan and family in Scotland have served in it.

If you're a Campbell, it's your tartan, just don't call anyone else out for wearing it who is not a Campbell for even by the strictest adherence to the tradition of wearing a tartan to which one is associated, there is zero exclusivity where the government sett is concerned.

The government sett is one of the oldest tartans and pre-dates the concept of clan tartans by quite some time.

[IsaacW]

If you're a Campbell, it's your tartan, just don't call anyone else out for wearing it who is not a Campbell for even by the strictest adherence to the tradition of wearing a tartan to which one is associated,

No worries with this. I could care less about the dress of others and am pretty open in that regards. I just worry about my own self; which is more than enough to worry about most of the time!!

is that since it belongs to the government, anyone can wear there is zero exclusivity where the government sett is concerned.

The government sett is one of the oldest tartans and pre-dates the concept of clan tartans by quite some time.

And indeed reasons why I like it. It is very safe in the strictest sense and it is also old. The history nerd in me appreciates this!!