[QUOTE=
[Redshank]Do I think these paintings are indicative of the dress of the period, Obviously the wealthy could have afforded such attire, but I think the falsehood lies within the dipiction of ordinary folk wearing clothing above and beyond what they could have afforded or suited the nature of the work.
No it's pure Victorian Fantasy, eye candy for the Queen[QUOTE]

I think Redshank has a telling point here, I mentioned in my earlier post that the Gentlemen at Braemar in the present day still view this as perfectlly acceptable attire, and as the Queen normally attends this event annually, they are hobnobbing with Royalty, and are still acting as eye candy for the present Queen.
I have to say, in the setting they are in, they look dare I say, quite Majestic - however, I still won't be rushing out to buy a long hair sporran.