"Rules" for wearing family tartan

[JSFMACLJR]

While all the other Highlanders are wearing generously proportioned broad bonnets, this fellow is wearing something altogether different, an upright style of bonnet with straight sides. Here I think you have the earliest portrayal of a glengarry being worn by a Scotsman.

A Hummel Bonnet, perhaps?
http://www.albanach.org/hummel.htm

[Brian K]

It could possibly be a kilmarnock bonnet without the usual diced band, but then, I've never seen a plain kilmarnock bonnet without dicing. Given the fact that Moray of Abercairney was painted wearing what is obviously a Georgian era glengarry, I think it is entirely possible that the clansman in the green tartan in Dighton's picture may have been wearing a glengarry as well.

According to the article in the link provided by Sandy, Hummel and Kilmarnock are two different names for the same piece of headgear. I had previously read the article and appreciate the reminder. Of course, it is entirely possible that the bonnet in question is something we haven't seen before. It seems likely that there was a greater range of bonnet styles, varying by region and/or maker prior to the narrowing of options to the Balmoral, Glengarry and Tam which are pretty much it today.

As to the origins of the Glengarry bonnet, a Wikipedia article (so take it with a grain of salt) claims the bonnet was first used in 1794 by the Glengarry Fencibles. It says that Alistair Ranaldson MacDonnell of Glengary, who founded the regiment, has been credited with invention of the bonnet, but it may originally have been a modification of the Balmoral bonnet by folding and creasing the latter.

We seem to have veered way of topic here, but suddenly the discussion seems more pleasant.

Regards,

Brian

[Micric]

Sorry for being unclear in my question!


What I meant was were there any real highlanders,( apart from the odd clan chief,) who would be dripping in such exrtavagant accoutrements?
I know there Were highlanders "back then"!... but also believe that most had not the income to ingdulge in such luxuries.
I believe most of this high-end stuff would be seen on persons Dressing as highlanders, rather than the true salt-ofthe earth Highlander....(?)

Also,I thought most of these accoutrements were made in Edinburgh and Glasgow, rather than the Highlands.
Cheers,

Richard.

[butch]

Only if the Eagle agrees

[muirkirkca]

It is important to appreciate the role the tartan weavers, kilt makers and manufacturers and merchants of Scottish paraphernalia have in maintaining and keeping the culture. Without them the discussion about "rules" would be completely academic. Without some modernity creeping into the kilt world the whole system would stagnate. I doubt that those involved are becoming independently wealthy for their involvement and I greatly appreciate their role.

[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

[butch]

So if the late 19th and early 20th centuries produced the "superior point of development"of kilt evolution, then it should be quite evident that the great unwashed of male civilization should want to wear one and be encouraged to do so without threat of a litany of do's and don'ts. Wearing of a kilt should not be seen as some domain of some "Secret Brotherhood" But as for me (I am washed and not lice infested, my wife would not like it if i were) I just like to wear them because they are cool, colorful and there is no law against it.