Let's talk cromachs

[JerseyLawyer]

So then a cromach is indeed a status symbol of sorts? I have seen photos of Highland gatherings where almost everyone had one (including the younger lads), and I can't figure out where the cromach fits in with other accessories which seem to be fairly well defined and have rules or traditions associated with them. The cromach seems to be mostly ignored, though, in explanations of how to dress.

I think sometimes a walking stick is just a walking stick.

As far as I know, there's no particular significance to the cromach (e.g., it doesn't show you to be a chief, chieftan, armiger, Lord-Lieutenant, or Chief Cook and Bottle Washer). It's just a traditional type of walking stick.

I don't claim to be an expert on them, though.

[Tobus]

As far as I know, there's no particular significance to the cromach (e.g., it doesn't show you to be a chief, chieftan, armiger, Lord-Lieutenant, or Chief Cook and Bottle Washer). It's just a traditional type of walking stick.

That is pretty much the sense I had gotten of it too, but I started this thread to see if our resident experts had a different take on it. What I find very interesting is that (judging by the lack of info on the web and the lack of definitive answers here) nobody seems to really have a firm grasp on their history or their meaning... yet you don't see any sort of Highland gathering where they aren't just as much a part of the 'uniform' as all the other accoutrements that we love to nit-pick over.

So how is it that the cromach has become such a staple of Highland outdoor accessories when it has such a vague or obscure background?

[Jock Scot]

Tobus.

I am not at all sure that the Cromach has a "vague and obscure" history. Shepherds have been around the Highlands for centuries, so anyone who is out "on the hill" will have spotted the wisdom of using one. Also, the Cromach used to be carried by Officers of Highland regiments(do they still?), so carrying one would come as second nature to them at civilian events such as a Highland Games. When all said and done we used to have many shepherds and serving and retired officers of Highland regiments in Scotland to set the trend.

[caig]

The cromach no doubt has its traditions and use in ancient history, but in the modern world it is used as a symbol of authority as well as the obvious practical purposes. This is why you will usually see a Clan Chief, or Lord Lieutenant, chairman and officers of highland games etc, carrying one. The Duke of Rothesay carries one at appropriate events, whether kilted or suited.

And of course, there are those who carry one just because they decide they want to.

[Micric]

Nice sticks Jock T,...brings back memories!

[awbyrd]

Can someone suggest a supplier in the USA for a cromach or a good thumbstick? I'd love to have one in ram's horn or the other in buffalo on a hazel shaft. The UK suppliers are a bit cost restrictive after shipping, etc.

Thanks!

Aaron

[Irish Jack O'Brian]

Can someone suggest a supplier in the USA for a cromach or a good thumbstick? I'd love to have one in ram's horn or the other in buffalo on a hazel shaft. The UK suppliers are a bit cost restrictive after shipping, etc.

Thanks!

Aaron

I don't about horn or buffalo cromachs, but there is this place in Florida.
This place in Colorado.
And this place in Texas.
I think these are mostly walking sticks and canes, but some have crooks.

[Zardoz]

I don't about horn or buffalo cromachs, this place in Texas.
I think these are mostly walking sticks and canes, but some have crooks.

I can wholeheartedly recommend Brazos Sticks in Waco, great product for the price.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Lads, it's a simple shepherd's crook. It's been around for yonks, long before Her Majesty, the Late Queen Empress, ascended the throne. It is a very handy item; in fact it is the national walking stick of Scotland, carried by all sorts of folks-- men, women, farmers, hill walkers, and, yes, lairds and chiefs. It is hardly a "wand of office", and confers no special status upon its owner. No one is going to confuse "Wee Jimmy" in the size 5 bonnet with HRH the Duke of Rothsey simply because he's carrying a stick.

That said, in one regard the cromach is like eagle's feathers in so far as in the far flung corners of the world the Scottish diaspora like to see their chiefs looking, frankly, more Scottish than the Scots. They want to see feathers, and kilts, and plaids, and bonnets, and cromachs. They don't want their chief turning up in wellies, an ancient Barbour jacket, well worn tweeds, deer stalker hat, and toting a cromach, despite the fact that is very likely how a chief really dresses most of the time.

If the cromach is indicative of anything, it is indicative of living in the country, as opposed to living in town, which, when you come to think of it, makes sense. Try getting on the Number 7 bus in Leith waiving around a four-and-a-half-foot-long stick sometime and you'll soon see what I mean. The thing's a damn nuisance.

[Jock Scot]

Lads, it's a simple shepherd's crook. It's been around for yonks, long before Her Majesty, the Late Queen Empress, ascended the throne. It is a very handy item; in fact it is the national walking stick of Scotland, carried by all sorts of folks-- men, women, farmers, hill walkers, and, yes, lairds and chiefs. It is hardly a "wand of office", and confers no special status upon its owner. No one is going to confuse "Wee Jimmy" in the size 5 bonnet with HRH the Duke of Rothsey simply because he's carrying a stick.

That said, in one regard the cromach is like eagle's feathers in so far as in the far flung corners of the world the Scottish diaspora like to see their chiefs looking, frankly, more Scottish than the Scots. They want to see feathers, and kilts, and plaids, and bonnets, and cromachs. They don't want their chief turning up in wellies, an ancient Barbour jacket, well worn tweeds, deer stalker hat, and toting a cromach, despite the fact that is very likely how a chief really dresses most of the time.

If the cromach is indicative of anything, it is indicative of living in the country, as opposed to living in town, which, when you come to think of it, makes sense. Try getting on the Number 7 bus in Leith waiving around a four-and-a-half-foot-long stick sometime and you'll soon see what I mean. The thing's a damn nuisance.