Highlanders Discuss Highland Attire

**davidlpope** · 5th March 10, 06:30 AM

Sandy,

Thanks so much for the excellent collection of photos! I really appreciate it. It's much easier to understand what is properly worn in the Highlands after seeing these. A picture really is worth a thousand words.

Matt,

Your comments are spot-on and those are the least of the bunch. I'm honestly embarassed, when our clan chief or other Scottish visitors come to visit Highland Games in North Carolina and see such a bizarre collection of regalia. It's true that everyone has their own tastes, but I'm always amazed at the odd excess that I find: huge two-handed swords, faces painted blue?, fairy wings, leather "bondage" outfits, etc. I often wonder that the Scots aren't secretly shuddering the entire time...

Cordially,

David

**Jock Scot** · 5th March 10, 06:33 AM

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

Thank you , gentlemen, for today's bounty.

Not being a subject, I wonder if Prince Edward's sleeves might be a touch shorter? He may like that length, but it looks wrong to me. Jock, I expect you are talking about how his kilt has crept up or down so that it slopes to the rear- is that what caught your eye?

I think that sleeves on day jackets are cut a little longer in Scotland. I well remember discussing that point with my tailor many years ago and his reply was, "...and who wants wet shirt cuffs up here?" He was right!

Well done for spotting the back of the kilt thing.

**macwilkin** · 5th March 10, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

Sandy,

Thanks so much for the excellent collection of photos! I really appreciate it. It's much easier to understand what is properly worn in the Highlands after seeing these. A picture really is worth a thousand words.

Matt,

Your comments are spot-on and those are the least of the bunch. I'm honestly embarassed, when our clan chief or other Scottish visitors come to visit Highland Games in North Carolina and see such a bizarre collection of regalia. It's true that everyone has their own tastes, but I'm always amazed at the odd excess that I find: huge two-handed swords, faces painted blue?, fairy wings, leather "bondage" outfits, etc. I often wonder that the Scots aren't secretly shuddering the entire time...

Cordially,

David

T.

**MacLowlife** · 5th March 10, 07:20 AM

David L Pope mentioned fairy wings and leather bondage outfits at highland games. I may well be projecting, but if I were an authentic Highlander, or a Citizen from anywhere in the UK and I visited America, I would feel distinctly shortchanged if I didn't have at least one example of the bizarre American lifestyle to talk about when I got home, be it Ren Faires, or Nascar, or under-regulated lycra... Come on over Jock, we will give you a reason to drink.

**BoldHighlander** · 5th March 10, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

5. My friend Sandy and some MacLarens marching to a games.

9. Sandy and others

Great photos! Thanks for posting!

I couldn't help but notice the belt being worn w/ waistcoat by the gentleman marching 2nd from the left in the above photo, but who am I to criticize, for as Jock so rightly pointed out we do not know the circumstance (& besides he is so smartly turned out!)....

I also really like the sensible shoes being worn by all, not like the proliferation of dress ghillies with tassles going up the calves seen at games over here!

Originally Posted by davidlpope

Matt,

Your comments are spot-on and those are the least of the bunch. I'm honestly embarassed, when our clan chief or other Scottish visitors come to visit Highland Games in North Carolina and see such a bizarre collection of regalia. It's true that everyone has their own tastes, but I'm always amazed at the odd excess that I find: huge two-handed swords, faces painted blue?, fairy wings, leather "bondage" outfits, etc. I often wonder that the Scots aren't secretly shuddering the entire time...

Don't get me started!!!

**Jock Scot** · 5th March 10, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

David L Pope mentioned fairy wings and leather bondage outfits at highland games. I may well be projecting, but if I were an authentic Highlander, or a Citizen from anywhere in the UK and I visited America, I would feel distinctly shortchanged if I didn't have at least one example of the bizarre American lifestyle to talk about when I got home, be it Ren Faires, or Nascar, or under-regulated lycra... Come on over Jock, we will give you a reason to drink.

You might not know that I had a bit of an accident last year and I have promised myself and others that I would spend this year getting fit enough for the following years. So you never know, I may take you up on that kind invitation one of these years.

**Arlen** · 5th March 10, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

The kilt is certainly worn on the Western Isles, although I can't say it is worn regularly as day attire.I think that also the islanders have far more important things to think about and the kilt would come way down the list of priorities. I have not ever seen the kilt worn on Orkney and I have been assured by those that live there that the kilt is not worn on Orkney. Now were they pulling my leg? They could have been, knowing who they are, but I don't think so.

When I have visited Orkney I've only ever seen one local Kilted and that was for his wedding.
They're good people but not big Kilt-Wearers. They're certainly very welcoming to those who visit and wear a Kilt, though.

Jock, I agree. The idea of anyone from Orkney trying to pull your leg is amusing.

**ForresterModern** · 5th March 10, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

You might not know that I had a bit of an accident last year and I have promised myself and others that I would spend this year getting fit enough for the following years. So you never know, I may take you up on that kind invitation one of these years.

Come on over Jock, and let us know when you are coming so we can set aside the time. We will not only give you reason to drink, but plenty of opportunity as well. And I promise I won't wear a flat cap with a kilt during your visit. Well, at least not a tartan one.

Jeff

**Livingston** · 5th March 10, 12:23 PM

Yes, Jock. Do come over as soon as you feel you can. We would all like to meet you and show you around. I'll even buy the first single malt... or gin and tonic... when you get in our area. And I promise I WON'T wear a flat cap...don't have one.

**Jock Scot** · 5th March 10, 12:59 PM

Well thank you one and all for all those kind invitations and I would love to pop over and meet you all and one day, not this year though, I might surprise you all and turn up!As always, that generosity that Americans are famous for, is there ready and waiting and I am very touched. In the meantime I have to get you all trained up to wearing your kilt attire properly! Ok,OK, OKAY! Perhaps not!