Full mask sporrans revisited...

[Calgacus]

I have no real facts and figures, but I would say that KA have summed up the feeling about new full mask sporrans and hair sporrans in general, in Scotland, pretty well. We need to remember that, unfortunately I would say, Scotland and the UK in general is further removed from the land and its practical and "gruesome" realities, than many other countries appear to be. There are of course exceptions to this, but I suspect that they would be a minority.

Hi Jock,

I think that might be the perception if the media were to be believed, however the sporrans I see worn here are universally real fur for formal wear, which surely would not be the case if hair/fur was now considered unacceptable. It's true that full mask sporrans are quite rare, but I think that has more to do with the sensibilities of the ladies. My good lady is a case in point. She has no objection to my sporran being made from a dead mink or two, in fact it was a present from her, but she wouldn't thank me for having a dead animal stare her in the face from my lap. Don't go into the logic of it, she won't eat chicken (often bred in poor conditions), she won't eat venison (cute Bambis), but she will eat beef, fish, and a variety of other meats.

Going by the people I know, I'd say in general men would have no issues whatsoever wearing hair/fur unless it came from an endangered species or was in some way not ethically sourced. Women would largely be fine with hair/fur, though a few would not, and most wouldn't want it staring at them.

[cessna152towser]

I'd agree with Jock.
I've never been a fan of ostentatious sporrans, preferring the practicality of plain imitation leather.
I think there's a perception here in Scotland that the wearer of a large furry sporran or worse still a full mask sporran is an attention seeker, either a tourist from the former colonies or someone who wants you to believe they are a major landowner from the highlands.
OK I'll break out a bit and wear a modest sized sporran with three tassles and a cantle and some imitation fur at Bannockburn later this month where it will blend in with the crowd.

[StevieR]

Well, I just voted yes. I have to say that I am not the greatest fan. I much prefer a simple leather sporran, but I thought I'd post a reply to comment that neither my missus or two daughters (24 and 21 respectively) have a problem with a full mask sporran - my youngest especially thinks I should be getting one. Jock is quite right when he says that we in the UK, in the main, are removed from the land. I know too many people who would turn their nose up at the thought of eating a wild rabbit but would happily get stuck into some unidentifiable chicken nuggets made from battery farmed birds that have lived their short lives in miserable conditions. I am pleased to say that both my girls will happily deal with assorted game and fish to get it ready for the table and both subscribe to the philosophy that ultimately if you're prepared to eat it you should be prepared to deal with the messy bits as well. Perhaps this influences their tastes in other ways and that is why they don't have an issue with a (responsibly sourced) full mask sporran?

[TheOfficialBren]

Post repetitive.

[Cygnus]

I voted "never" in the poll. I'm a somewhat newly-minted vegetarian (for various reasons, none of which need discussion here), but actually quite like the look of a full-mask sporran. I understand they're not everyone's cup of tea and may not be appropriate in every social setting, but I think a well-made full-mask sporran looks great. I think part of what gives them a bad reputation is the "Frankenstein's monster" full-mask sporrans made by inexperienced craftsmen that one occasionally encounters.

If I wasn't so concerned about ruining something that is as large an investment as a good full-mask sporran, I likely would have purchased one as my first sporran for the reason that it is technically "correct" for a broad range of dress codes - from daywear to black-tie settings. I recognize the changes in taste that have led to full-mask sporrans falling out of favor but don't necessarily think they're to the point of being relegated to "relic" status, and I hope it's some time before they are.

[Nathan]

I have no real facts and figures, but I would say that KA have summed up the feeling about new full mask sporrans and hair sporrans in general, in Scotland, pretty well. We need to remember that, unfortunately I would say, Scotland and the UK in general is further removed from the land and its practical and "gruesome" realities, than many other countries appear to be. There are of course exceptions to this, but I suspect that they would be a minority.

An interesting point about being removed from the land. That said, I didn't see you vote, Jock! Should I count you among the anti-mask vote? Did I read on another thread that you personally only wear your black McRostie day sporran even for evening wear?

[Nathan]

I'd agree with Jock.
I've never been a fan of ostentatious sporrans, preferring the practicality of plain imitation leather.
I think there's a perception here in Scotland that the wearer of a large furry sporran or worse still a full mask sporran is an attention seeker, either a tourist from the former colonies or someone who wants you to believe they are a major landowner from the highlands.
OK I'll break out a bit and wear a modest sized sporran with three tassles and a cantle and some imitation fur at Bannockburn later this month where it will blend in with the crowd.

This is fascinating to me. Is there really the perception that you can wear Highland attire but if it looks too Highland, you're a poseur? So if I was a major landholder from the Highlands, the large furry sporran is ok, but if not, I should know my place and dress in a more pedestrian fashion? Still trying to grasp Scotland's current views on class consciousness as it relates to fashion.

[Father Bill]

Nathan, much of the same applies here in Canada. "Less" is more when it comes to looking the part and fitting in.

[MacGumerait]

"Less" is more when it comes to looking the part and fitting in.

Hmmm An interesting viewpoint , considering that we are all here .... because we wear kilts .

( all in good jest )

Cheers , Mike

[BCAC]

This is fascinating to me. Is there really the perception that you can wear Highland attire but if it looks too Highland, you're a poseur? So if I was a major landholder from the Highlands, the large furry sporran is ok, but if not, I should know my place and dress in a more pedestrian fashion? Still trying to grasp Scotland's current views on class consciousness as it relates to fashion.

Well, I suppose that I'm about to become a poser, then! Guess what? I don't care.

I ordered a full mask sporran from one of the best (if not the best) full mask sporran makers in Scotland. Evidiently, to acquire a heirloom quality full mask sporran from one of the best sporran makers in the land costs a small fortune, so I'm going to use/wear it a lot. If that makes me a poser, so be it. I care not a jot.