traditional vs. classic

[creagdhubh]

This gives the impression that all the men are dressed in elaborate Highland costume. Many are, but many others are in quite plain dress.

Of the 56 kilted figures, 24 are in the "Celtic" jackets so popular at that time, but 21 are in plain "day" jackets.

Absolutely plain grey tweed day jackets, plain Balmorals and Glengarries, plain hose, and ordinary Oxford shoes are not what comes to mind when we speak of these men being dressed in "finery".

Come on now my good man, you are preaching to the choir here! Of course not all of the Highlanders featured in the book are dressed in finery, and you are correct, some are indeed dressed in normal day to day attire, I know that. I am speaking of the 24 in the so called "Celtic" jackets (doublets of many kind, many of them looking like today's regulation doublet) you speak of. Excuse me for giving that kind of "impression" that all the men are dressed in elaborate costume-and they are not "costumes" in my opinion. I have studied that book for a long time, as I am sure you have as well. Cheers!

[mull]

[QUOTE=creagdhubh;851902]One could most certainly wear the 'shoulder' plaid with day wear.

I love the look of plaid, but fear that it would be the piece that sends the entire outfit over the line of dress, into the realm of costume.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

One could most certainly wear the 'shoulder' plaid with day wear.

I love the look of plaid, but fear that it would be the piece that sends the entire outfit over the line of dress, into the realm of costume.

I tend to agree, but think that it also depends on where one lives. I don't think a shoulder plaid looks out of place in Auchterader, but it does take on certain "theatrical airs" in Arizona.

[Jock Scot]

I tend to agree, but think that it also depends on where one lives. I don't think a shoulder plaid looks out of place in Auchterader, but it does take on certain "theatrical airs" in Arizona.

I don't recall seeing too many shoulder plaids in Auchterader either!

[muirkirkca]

I have a small hand drawn sketch of a g-g grandfather from the early to mid-1800s. Shows a gentleman in trousers, jacket, bonnet and plaid. He was a shepherd from the Argyll region so the plaid was likely utilitarian.

[creagdhubh]

[QUOTE=mull;852627]

One could most certainly wear the 'shoulder' plaid with day wear.

I love the look of plaid, but fear that it would be the piece that sends the entire outfit over the line of dress, into the realm of costume.

I disagree completely. The use of a shoulder plaid, also called a 'blanket' plaid, which seems to be a double negative to me as plaid means 'blanket' in Gaelic, is no where near the realm of costume. Now, of course when you see gents wearing a plaid, complete with brooch, a targe, a broadsword, loose fitting, old style shirt, etc, for day wear at a games or wherever, I would most definitely consider that a costume and very separate from traditional Highland attire for the daytime. The shoulder plaid was worn quiet a bit in the mid to late 19th-century, without a brooch-it was also very popular throughout the 20th-century (especially by clan elders) and into today.

You often see clan chiefs, chieftains, and some clansmen wearing them today. My grandfather wore one all the time while attending Highland games and parades, and when not in use, he threw it over his favorite leather chair in his study at his home, because really, all it is, is quite simply a blanket of varied length with fringe at opposite ends (like a piper's plaid, except having no pleats). I plan to wear the shoulder plaid with my argyll jackets and balmoral bonnet at Highland games and gatherings, once I invest in the tartan material and have the purled fringing done of course! I think they look very smart with daywear and a nice cromach (sheperd's crook). Take wee peek at the examples below.


The gentlemen above are (from left to right) Euan Macpherson of Glentruim, Chieftain of the Glentruim Macphersons, Sir William Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie, 27th Chief of the Clan Macpherson, and Alastair Macpherson of Pitmain, Chieftain of the Pitmain Macphersons. Notice the large shoulder plaid that Euan is wearing. I think it looks absolutely wonderful with his daywear attire. Also take notice of Cluny's Scottish Wildcat sporran-I have personally inspected it close up and it is a marvelous specimen from the 19th-century. I do not like Pitmain's wearing of argyll hose, done in the Pitmain tartan colors, with daywear, but hey, he is a gentleman and a Chieftain of a prominent branch of the Clan Macpherson, who am I to judge or say anything?! To each is own, right?!


Another photo of Euan (on the left) at the Clan Macpherson gathering held every August in Badenoch.


XXIV Chief of the Clan Cameron (Lochiel) wearing a shoulder plaid-worn very similar to Euan Macpherson of Glentruim.


XXV Chief of the Clan Cameron (Lochiel) wearing a shoulder plaid.


An excellent example of the shoulder plaid-appropriate for daywear. Notice the XXVI Chief of Clan Cameron (Lochiel), wearing his plaid without a brooch pinned through to his argyll jacket, as that would indeed make it more of a costume in my opinion, or basically just would look out of place, not neccessarily costume like. Also note the two different shades of Cameron tartans; he uses the modern hue for his plaid, and the ancient hue for his kilt. He also wears a lovely Pine Marten sporran. I have seen this done before with the Clan Donald Chiefs and Chieftains.

[Jock Scot]

If you want to wear a shoulder plaid, "Lairds plaid" as they seem to have been christened here, then wear one. They had their uses for centuries, of that there is no doubt, but these days there are better and more efficient options to protect us from the elements. Personally I found them a damn bother for most of the time and in all honesty I think they are heading into a borderline costume situation.

[JSFMACLJR]

[QUOTE=creagdhubh;852742]

An excellent example of the shoulder plaid-appropriate for daywear. Notice the XXVI Chief of Clan Cameron (Lochiel), wearing his plaid without a brooch pinned through to his argyll jacket, as that would indeed make it more of a costume in my opinion, or basically just would look out of place, not neccessarily costume like. Also note the two different shades of Cameron tartans; he uses the modern hue for his plaid, and the ancient hue for his kilt. He also wears a lovely Pine Marten sporran. I have seen this done before with the Clan Donald Chiefs and Chieftains.

Actually, Kyle, Lochiel is wearing two tartans here: a kilt of Cameron tartan, and a plaid of Cameron of Lochiel, which is his personal tartan and may only be worn by Lochiel and his close family.

[mull]

The post above seems to give credit to me for posting of the photo, which I did not, although I was I had ready access to such resources.

All of these photos showing the plaid are fabulous and I think the subjects in them look born to it.

My earlier statement was meant to read that [I]I[I] could not wear the garment with the type of conviction to make it work. It would appear costumish (sp) on me.

It does not change the fact that I love the look. I hope others more suited to it keep it alive as an option.

Joe

[creagdhubh]

That would be Lord Semple, and if I remember correctly. It is not a '70s "leisure jacket", but more akin to a sack suit of the mid 19th century. There are a number of photos of the Balmoral Ghillies in the mid 19th century wearing something similiar. I can't find a copy at the moment, but the picture I am thinking of is featured on the back cover of Bob Martin's All About Your Kilt.

It's certainly not from the 1970s though.

T.

Lord Semphill, yes. Quite a smart outfit...as well as HRH Prince Charles, and the Duke of Argyll. I always admire the funky colored hose! I agree with you about the shooting aspect!