what about the hardwear?

**Highland Logan** · 23rd February 08, 12:23 AM

I would express the fact that Highland dress is just that... the national dress of Scotland... if you choose to make it a costume by adding weapons, ect, then you make not only yourself a joke but all of us by association to those who do not know what is or not correct.

Frank

**BoldHighlander** · 23rd February 08, 01:17 AM

Originally Posted by Monkey@Arms

In California you see everything. They sell a lot swords of varying eras (including fantasy) at the games, so its not surprising to see someone carrying one, especially at the larger games, or if the person is in some kind of period garb.

Best regards,

Jake

Originally Posted by JRB

Highland games almost always have several vendors selling weapons (dirks, swords, axes, etc.). They are usually very poor quality, by the way. Once in a while I've seen someone buying one of those weapons. However, it's pretty uncommon to see anyone other than reenactors actually wearing a weapon larger than a dirk to a highland event.

I would agree with both these points as it is the case at our local (Bellingham) Games.
I have no problem with sgian dubhs or even dirks being worn (a lot of the military vets, e.g. S.A.M.S., will wear one), but what bothers me is the safety issue I've seen with teenagers flaunting larger swords that they just purchased. I know that around here they are suppose to be 18 yrs to buy one, but I have seen younger teens with them (either they belong to their friends or they got someone of age to buy them one). I've also seen a couple of near accidents with mishandling of these weapons. Short of banning the sale of them (& I'm for the guy being able to make a buck) I'm not sure what the answer is?

Originally Posted by Highland Logan

I would express the fact that Highland dress is just that... the national dress of Scotland... if you choose to make it a costume by adding weapons, ect, then you make not only yourself a joke but all of us by association to those who do not know what is or not correct.

Frank

I understand what your saying Frank, but I'd have to disagree with you if the intention is a historical representation.
I for one am intending to put together a researched outfit to represent the Mackays during the Thirty Years' War /ECW period for future events. It's as much to honor the proud heritage of the Mackays as it is an attraction in drawing folks into the booth & conversation (I've seen this used to great effect by Clan Anderson every year).
However I will not be walking around the grounds (except during the clan parade) with a two handed claymore strapped to my back I can assure you.

By the same token, if a clan wishes to carry historic weapons in the clan parade (such as a broadsword held aloft, leading the clan), or if a historical group is putting on a history demonstration, then I see nothing wrong with it.

But otherwise I'd say leave the swords at the booth, simply because with so many people usually packed together closely in the clan/vendor row, & the wee bairns running about, it can be a safety issue & a possible accident waiting to happen.

**Highland Logan** · 23rd February 08, 02:39 AM

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

I understand what your saying Frank, but I'd have to disagree with you if your intention is a historical representation.

I can agree with this... what I was referring to (my fault on clarity) are those who look like "cartoon" Highlanders, with no regard to correctness, for re-enacting purposes or other wise. We all know the type. They show up looking like one of Mel Gibson's extras.

Frank

**BoldHighlander** · 23rd February 08, 02:46 AM

Originally Posted by Highland Logan

I can agree with this... what I was referring to (my fault on clarity) are those who look like "cartoon" Highlanders, with no regard to correctness, for re-enacting purposes or other wise. We all know the type. They show up looking like one of Mel Gibson's extras.

Frank

Indeed!

**PiobBear** · 23rd February 08, 05:55 AM

I generally just go armed with my "instrument of war".

**Jack Daw** · 23rd February 08, 07:18 AM

At the Highland games, there are a few who come dressed in period or fantasy wear bearing arms.

**JRB** · 23rd February 08, 07:50 AM

I took a pic of this gentleman last summer at the capital district highland games in Altamont, NY. To my eye his dirk seems completely appropriate with his period kit. Being in a T-shirt and modern tank, I would have looked goofy if I'd been wearing my dirk. Also notice he is not wearing a baskethilt or carrying a lochaber axe.

**Mael Coluim** · 23rd February 08, 07:57 AM

I don;t see to much "hardware" at the games and agree with the comments that it's only appropriate for the re-enactors. Outside that I think the individual is over compensating for some other disparity!

**sharpdressedscot** · 23rd February 08, 08:00 AM

I say leave it to the reenactors, I think it would look a bit weird with a regular Joe...or would it?

**ChattanCat** · 23rd February 08, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by JRB

I took a pic of this gentleman last summer at the capital district highland games in Altamont, NY. To my eye his dirk seems completely appropriate with his period kit. Being in a T-shirt and modern tank, I would have looked goofy if I'd been wearing my dirk. Also notice he is not wearing a baskethilt or carrying a lochaber axe.

Hold on now, this guy is sporting three, no four if you count the hose, different tartans!