Sparrin' Over the Sporran

[Jack Daw]

I may be piping at the Worldwide Gathering of Clan MacIntyre at the Taynuilt Games in July 2008. I need advice from the Brits here...or, from anyone else, who may know.

I have learned that there is a ban on wearing certain fur sporrans in the UK, but I'm uncertain what fur is included in the ban. Obviously, I want to make sure I don't have any of mine confiscated and/or myself fined. I'm not sure which sporrans I plan to bring at this point; so, all those with fur (excluding my military horsehair, of course) include: seal-fur front semi-formal; rabbit-fur formal; and, badger-mask (Argyll&Sutherland).

[beloitpiper]

What an honor!!! As a piper, I am very jealous.

Here's some info on the legality of sporrans and here's an article about it. I'm pretty sure the seal and badger is illegal. The horse and rabbit should be fine.

[Jack Daw]

Actually, Beloitpiper, I'm not the only piper piping. There will be several of us with different chanters and reeds, if you get my meaning. I'm not looking forward to lugging all my kit over there, either. We have a 10-day private bus tour afterwards, and my bad back is going to love it.

And, thanks for the info on the fur ban. I thought I read that seal was out, but was unsure if there were other banned furs.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

What an honor!!! As a piper, I am very jealous.

Here's some info on the legality of sporrans and here's an article about it. I'm pretty sure the seal and badger is illegal. The horse and rabbit should be fine.

This "endangered species" sporran nonsense is the tip of the iceburg. EU legislation includes having to prove the age of hunting trophies-- if you can't prove the age of the endangered species on your wall or floor, well tough. You hand it over (without compensation) and it is burned. As far as rabbit and pony hair sporrans are concerned, they are on the "hit list" as well. Most of this legislation is promulgated by the European Green Party-- which is totally opposed to hunting, and is generally opposed to the use of any animal hides in commercial manufacturing processes.

So, my advise would be to buy top quality leather and hair sporrans NOW, while they are still available. In five years they may very well have gone the way of the Dodo.

[Tommie]

Thats pretty close to what I was trying to get across.

I am not opposed to hunting,but I am opposed to using wild animal hides for any commercial use....

[SFCRick]

I have a full face Badger sporran, but has anyone ever seen a whale or dolphin sporran?

[Jack Daw]

I have a full face Badger sporran, but has anyone ever seen a whale or dolphin sporran?

It may be just a matter of time.

[BoldHighlander]

I have a full face Badger sporran, but has anyone ever seen a whale or dolphin sporran?

It may be just a matter of time.

No, but I've seen a full mask alligator one!

[James MacMillan]

I've seen a full mask alligator one!

Really?

Where?

Why?

[BoldHighlander]

Really?

Where?

Why?

Indeed!


The "where" is on Craigie's website.
The "why" I'd have to leave to their explanation:

"PICTURED ARE SOME OF THE UNUSUAL SPORRANS THAT CRAIGIE ORIGINALS HAS DONE FOR CUSTOMERS. THEY SURELY HAVE FERTILE IMAGINATIONS! Living in Florda, you'd think that there would be plenty of 'gators to use for Craigie's customers, but not so! These were classified as "nuisance alligators" by the DNR, and we were able to purchase them. We hope to find a source for the tanned skins so that we can offer them on a regular basis."

You can see more at:
http://www.sporrans.com/STRANGEANDWO...LSPORRANS.html