All-black balmoral?

[macwilkin]

A good friend of mine made me a black toorie to replace my red one several years ago; I noticed that Golly Mackenzie in Monarch of the Glen had a black toorie on his bonnet, so needless to say, I had to have one as well.

For cold weather, you might try a "deerstalker", a la Sherlock Holmes, which is a popular choice of headgear with the stalking/ghillie crowd in Scotland.

But, I've also seen a bunch of "Yooper Scots" wearing Stormy Kromers with their kilts:

http://www.stormykromer.com/



Bottom line: don't be afraid to spend on a good quality hat. Remember, the difference between being frugal and cheap is buying the best so you don't have to keep replacing it.

Regards,

Todd

[Chef]

You can find a black on black Balmoral HERE.

They offer a custom Balmoral for $70 with either a red or black toorie. Scroll down the page about 2/3rds of the way.

[Marcel]

Also, I am just curious — will a balmoral protect you from the cold? If no, are there any hats that do that also work with a kilt. I have a Russian fur hat (you know, with the flaps) which may well be the warmest hat in existence, but with a kilt?

Thanks in advance!
Matt!

Ok, I'm from Canada so I'll Just say it. The only way to keep you head warm is with a touque eh!! A knitted wool one is best.

[auld argonian]

Keep your head warm? Just paste your clan badge on the front flap of a Mad Bomber hat and you're all set.

Seriously, I got one of the Highland Bonnets from Townsend and Son...not a real sophisticated bonnet and made out of almost a blanket wool...mighty warm though the ears are a bit exposed.

Best

AA

[Cawdorian]

The Balmoral works real fine in the mild winter we have around here, I wore mine out this morning in the 40 degree F weather. The dogs and I really enjoyed the walk. My head, which suffers from a partial abscence of hair, stayed quite warm and comfortable.

[Mael Coluim]

Ok, I'm from Canada so I'll Just say it. The only way to keep you head warm is with a touque eh!! A knitted wool one is best.

If some of you who like me who was unsure what a tougue is find out here. Looks very familar. A rose is a rose by any other name.

[Robertson]

Mossie Croft (e-bay)

[pdcorlis]

If you are still looking, contact glengarryhats.com - they put a black toorie on my black Glengarry for me - no charge.

[beloitpiper]

My Irish pipe band wears all black Glengarries (including black toories) and my Scottish pipe band wears all black Balmorals (including black toories). So no, not against tradition. I think they look good...unfortunately, they protect form the cold just as much as a beret (not very much). I wear a bear-fur cap, not unlike the Russian one you're talking about, and I think it looks fine with the kilt. Go for it!

[Galician]

I've worn the Basque beret (the only authentic one to me) for years. While it doesn't cover the ears, for cooler (not bitterly cold) weather I find it the perfect covering for my head.