WWI centenary celebrations

[The Wizard of BC]

The Canadian Scottish Regt. will be sending representatives to Europe in April to take part in the 100 year celebrations of Vimy.

They thought it would be nice to dress in the uniforms in their Regimental Museum. Unfortunately the kilts are not the right size nor are they in suitable condition.

So they came to us and asked us to make reproductions of the museum kilt rosettes.

We had not made this type of rosettes before so it was a big learning experience. My wife Bobbie was put in charge of the project.
She first contacted Peter MacDonald (figheadair) for help and advice. His help was invaluable and we are pleased to share the results.

Here is one Rosette in the making.



As we were working from photos and did not have an original we made two sizes so they could compare.



They also needed Rosettes in two different Tartans for two kilts.



And here are the finished product mounted on the kilt.



I think Bobbie did an amazing job. We should have more information from the Regiment after the weekend about what events the guys will be attending. We will keep you posted.

[LANCER1562]

It could be my computer, but where are the pictures?

[Steve Ashton]

I've just tried four different computers and the photos show up on all of them. Check your browsers blocking settings.

[figheadair]

Bobbie did a great job. For those that are interested, the kilts were worn by pipers of the 16th Bn CEF.

[David Dubh]

I think that's it is amazing what we can contribute to an historic occasion like this well done Steve and Bobbie I am humbled by your contribution to an event that helped to define Canada as a nation and I am humbled and honoured to be a Canadian of Scottish descent and and a member of this forum!! Huzzah
David

[Father Bill]

I think that the term "amazing" that's being tossed around belongs to Bobbie. Well done!

[Liam]

My wife and I will be attending and I plan to wear my Maple Leaf tartan kilt.

[Stoff]

I love the looks of the rosettes. I do have a couple of questions though. When is it appropriate for the to be worn and who is it appropriate for?

Thanks,
Christoph

[Steve Ashton]

Perhaps figheadair can respond to this.....

I love the looks of the rosettes. I do have a couple of questions though. When is it appropriate for the to be worn and who is it appropriate for?

Thanks,
Christoph

[figheadair]

I love the looks of the rosettes. I do have a couple of questions though. When is it appropriate for the to be worn and who is it appropriate for?

Rosettes are a residual reminder of the ties on early kilts and before that, those used to fasten the belted plaid to the wearer’s shoulder. Rosettes were a feature popular on both military and civilian kilts and plaids in the early-mid 19th century. A study of the development shows how ties on the apron and body/pleats of the kilt became ties on the apron and rosettes on the pleats and for a while, a mixture of both. Later, as buckles replaced the ties as the preferred form of fastening the rosettes were kept as decoration on the apron.

John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun wearing a belted plaid with shoulder tie (tip of the hanging section) 1747.


Rosettes on an early kilt (c1800-10)


MacDougall kilt c1815 with a mix of ties and rosettes.


93rd Regt kilt with ties and rosettes from the Sword Dance by David Cunliffe 1853


The military retained rosettes as a panel on officers’ and SNCS’ kilts for the Argylls, and on many regimental pipers’ kilts. The fashion for rosettes on civilian kilts disappeared during the early Victorian era and it’s now rare to see them. That does not mean that they cannot be worn but as that would now be thought unusual a wearer ought to know their history in order to educate others.

Royal Regiment of Scotland Colour Party 2013. The kilts retain the decorative rosettes panel from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders' kilts.


I feel another paper in the offing.