"Rules" for wearing family tartan

[davidlpope]

My question regarding the entitlement or right of a clan chief is intended to illustrate that there are rights "by tradition" that are neither earned nor enforcable by law. A clan chief is entitled by tradition to the right of wearing three eagle feathers in his bonnet.

I must strongly disagree with you. A clan chief is entitled by the legal jurisdiction of the Lord Lyon to the right of wearing three eagle feathers in his bonnet, not by some vague notion of tradition. His or her armorial rights are enforceable by law.

Since there is no legal authority with jurisdiction over the wear of tartan, this analogy simply does not fit.

Cordially,

David

[davidlpope]

Eagle feathers are not an element of a clan chief's armorial bearings.

Correct. But they are an indication of his status as an armiger and head of a clan, over which Lyon has jurisdication.

Cordially,

David

[Andrew M. Stewart]

Just as the clan tartan is an indication of a clansman's status as a member of the clan.

Lord Lyon can no more adjudicate the wearing of eagle feathers than he can the wearing of clan tartan. Both are a right and entitlement, by tradition, which is not legally enforcable, even in Lyon Court.

The Gordon Highlanders P&D all wear eagles feathers, any idea what that's all about?

[davidlpope]

The Gordon Highlanders P&D all wear eagles feathers, any idea what that's all about?

Those are blackcock feathers, not eagle feathers.

Cordially,

David

[Andrew M. Stewart]

Those are blackcock feathers, not eagle feathers.

Cordially,

David

Are you sure? I noticed the feathers in a video of some of the guys from our pipe band, The 48th Highlanders of Canada, in Aberdeen last spring on Tartan day playing with the Gordons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkQI_...eature=related

[Andrew M. Stewart]

I'm sure of it, They are eagles feathers!

[Tim P]

My take on it is that there are a number of tartans that are not clan tartans which, due to that fact, cannot offend any pretender to a clan.
I am a strong believer (my own value system and without prejudice to anyone who disagrees) in a degree of entitlement in your choice even if that is tenuous.

I can only find one tartan I can lay a claim to and it just so happens that I like it.

I can understand people getting precious about it but I also think that the Victorians have a lot to answer for with their gross and misplaced 'propriety'.

[davidlpope]

I'm sure of it, They are eagles feathers!

My filter doesn't allow me to access Youtube right now, so I can't watch the movie you are referencing, but in the meantime, this may help:


Here is a photo of a Gordon Highlander glengarry with blackcock feathers.



Here is a photo of the same type of glengarry, but seen from the reverse side. The "white below/ black above" coloring of the blackcock feathers may be what you're interpreting as "eagle feathers".



For comparison, here is a photo of the Royal Company of Archers. You'll see they are wearing eagle feathers, which look quite different from the blackcock feathers.



I'll watch the Youtube video tonight when I have a chance and see if I can see what you're seeing.

Cordially,

David