100-proof Scottish

[macwilkin]

Seems a bit "tounge-in-cheek" overall (nothing wrong wi' that), but I wonder if they've confused the flashes with bonnet cockades and plant badges, which were used to identify "friend from foe".

Interesting....

Todd

[Wompet]

Seems a bit "tounge-in-cheek" overall (nothing wrong wi' that), but I wonder if they've confused the flashes with bonnet cockades and plant badges, which were used to identify "friend from foe".

Interesting....

Todd

No no - look at the angle of the picture. From down there the first thing you would see would be the flashes holding up the hose. Naturally that's what the reporter had in mind when the piece was written up.


Except I thought that all of the "little people" were in Ireland ...

[furrycelt]

I have never heard of the flashes being used to convey any meaning. Now the sgian dubh does. If you can see the knife on the other person, then that is his way of saying that he trusts the company that he is in. If you see a scot, and you do not see his knife, then he might be a bit jumpy.

Remember in the film Rob Roy? Liam Nesson's character kept the blade hidden in his tam.

Oh, and "sgian dubh" is actually pronounced: /skane doov/; in Gaelic, "bh" and "mh" are given the "v" sound.

-ian

[flyv65]

Oh, and "sgian dubh" is actually pronounced: /skane doov/; in Gaelic, "bh" and "mh" are given the "v" sound.

Sometimes. The bh and mh actual sounds are dependant on their position in the word; for instance, "sibh" is pronounced "shiv" (the plural or formal of "you"), but is also pronounced as stated in the above text in the word "dubh". Basically, it can be either a "v" sound or a "w" sound.

Bryan...wish I remembered more of my gaidhlig-I'd give better examples...

[GMan]

Nice post Colin, Thanks

[MacMullen]

Thanks for the fun read! Very interesting and a good way to get psyched for wearing the kilt on Burn's birthday.

[macwilkin]

No no - look at the angle of the picture. From down there the first thing you would see would be the flashes holding up the hose. Naturally that's what the reporter had in mind when the piece was written up.


Except I thought that all of the "little people" were in Ireland ...

I don't know what the reporter was thinking, but the part about the cockade and plant badges is a fairly well-documented story. I believe Stuart Reid tells the story in several books he has written about the '45 where a Campbell, a member of the Argyll militia (and therefore dressed in Highland attire) was almost cut down by government soldiers -- the Campbell shouted, "I'm loyal --look at the cockade and the sprig in my bonnet!", or something to that effect. I'll find the source tonight.

I was referring to the symbolism behind the flashes/cockade and how it could be confused with this statement...

Regards,

Todd

[Planopiper]

100 proof Scottish. So that's 50%. What's the other 50%?