Brown with Traditional Argyll

[OC Richard]

A Burns night celebration is usually not really a terribly formal event for most; the word “supper” gives a good guide that the event is not to be formal. Smart maybe, but no need for formal, black tie, attire...

Yes indeed, the Burns supper I've piped at for many years is like that: people are smart, but not Formal. The only kilts to be seen are the organiser's and mine; the other gents are in slacks and nice jumpers etc (no suits or ties are seen).

However at the other Burns suppers I've piped at, the men appear to have a "if you got it, wear it" ethos, and there's a sea of matching black Prince Charlie coatees, black ties, and oftentimes dirks and plaids.

Evidently each man is required to wear at least seven pins (cap-badges, kilt-pins, and lapel-pins all count towards that total; what a man lacks in one, he will compensate for with another).