Feathers?

[macwilkin]

You know those long feathers that are worn in the Glengarry or Balmoral? What is the tradition behind those? Are they just decorative, or is there a significance attatched to them? I recall somebody telling me that only Chieftains were allowed to wear them...is that true?

Feathers behind a badge on a bonnet in generally reserved for Chiefs and armigers (one who bears arms, as in a coat-of-arms). The Lyon Court has a nice article that summarises this custom:

http://www.lyon-court.com/lordlyon/l...=Content.show&

If that link doesn't work, then go to www.lyon-court.com, and click on the link at the top for "Scottish Clans/Tartans". You will see a link to the article, entitled "crests" on the left.

There are also feather hackles, which are generally worn by soldiers and musicians. For example, each of the battalions of the Royal Regiment of Scotland are wearing different coloured hackles. The Black Watch wear a red hackle, the old Cameron Highlanders wore a blue one, etc.

Regards,

Todd