Quote Originally Posted by davidlpope View Post
Rex,

Despite being an outlander, I agree with your statement. The necessary corollary, though, is that Americans are dependent on Highlanders for "informing our sensibilities" concerning Traditional Highland Civilian Dress (THCD). I'm appreciative of the guidance provided here on XMarks, and covet those rare trips to Scotland, but perhaps some brainstorming for additional ways that the word can be got out is in order...

I did have a question raised when I read this section:



I recall many photos of individuals wearing THCD, in the Highlands, which featured regimental neckties. I understand that one should only wear neckties one "rates"(regiments/ branches of service one has served in), but shouldn't they be considered an acceptable aspect of THCD even if they are not a required aspect of THCD? Please help me to understand the distinction here.

Cordially,

David











Thank you, David. You will have experienced this "rising up" on the forum before now. Those of us who do the rising thing are always just a tad embarassed after the fact, even though we know that many of you understand our frustration and the need to vent. Brainstorming will help all of us, I am sure.

You asked me to explain my comment on regimental ties. I did try to include other things like badges and medals and the like in my little list but I suppose I was not very clear, was I? You struck the nail quite squarely, however. There are some exquisitely beautiful regimental and school ties out there and some of us are even entitled to wear one or two of them (our own Jock you have shown, Duart and, of course, HRH). They are just ties, after all. On board here, however, there are many who think that it is an honour to the regiment (or school) if they wear that regiment's or school's tie. In Highland tradition that is presumtuous and even insulting. It is not far distant from wearing medals to which you are not entitled.