Loch Lomond & Inverary games

[Father Bill]

Hi

Go back to the site and enter the post code as "E9 5RP", its an apartment I used to live in a while ago, it should get you in...

Let me know how it goes

Still threw me out.

[Jock Scot]

Well before I go any further, these chaps are not doing anything wrong, absolutely nothing wrong, but their style is instantly recognisable as different, nothing more. So for educational purposes only, this is what I see.

Let me set the scene. So here we are at a traditional Highland Games, Castle in the heart of a Clan territory, its raining on and off, the ground is pretty soggy, most spectators are not wearing the kilt, a few are, there is at least one pipe band, and assorted games are proceeding in the centre of the ring. So all is pretty standard stuff.

And then we move onto an interview with two Americans and in their way they are dressed very smartly, but instantly seen as different. Steve has spotted the head-wear(both) and their additions, quite right Steve. Then we go to subject A. He is wearing a very nice tweed jacket, with no tie and open necked shirt(a minor give away) and a large clan badge on his breast pocket(a major give away). Now subject B very nearly slipped through! So apart from his glengarry(not usual spectator head-wear in Scotland) and its rather overdone attachments it is the tartan tie with the kilt that catches the eye.

As I say, nothing actually wrong, but collectively these fine points instantly say, visitors. Does it matter? Not one jot! But to those visitors that want to try and blend into the surroundings then these points do stand out. I quite accept that nothing can be done about the accent, but if and it is only if, you want to look the part, then details matter.

[neloon]

I got 10/10, Jock!
And I know this sounds rude but I have to add that the pair of them seem undefinably, well...self-conscious.
For those who can't view the film, you're not really missing much. The Games section is the usual contrived presentation that viewers from outside Scotland are believed to want to see. Members of XMTS would almost certainly know about everything that's shown.
Alan

[Nile]

Thank you Compaq Guy,

I tried that code and it almost worked. When I entered that number, it accepted it (instead of invalid code message) and them it said I had permission but, after a few moments, it changed it's mind and denied me permission. It probably sensed the over seas connection.

Nice try; I really appreciate the gesture on your part.

Thank you again,
Nile

[creagdhubh]

It was indeed a charming programme and from around my old stamping ground - to which I return in a couple of weeks. Hoorah!

Now; I suspect Jock may have been referring to the headwear of the two gents in question. Clan crests, hackles and voluminous sproutings of bog myrtle (for they were Campbells). It was a little over done. Otherwise, I thought they were quite nicely turned out.

I have never thought the use of Clan Campbell's plant badge was over done by those present at the Argyllshire Gathering and Oban Highland Games, rather, I have always thought it looked spot on. I especially like how His Grace, Torquhil Ian Campbell, 13th and 6th Duke of Argyll (The 28th MacCailein Mor), wears it. Basically in the same fashion as his father and so on.

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[creagdhubh]

As I say, nothing actually wrong, but collectively these fine points instantly say, visitors. Does it matter? Not one jot! But to those visitors that want to try and blend into the surroundings then these points do stand out. I quite accept that nothing can be done about the accent, but if and it is only if, you want to look the part, then details matter.

***

[CMcG]

For anyone who uses a VPN (virtual private network), you could set your IP address to the UK and use the postal code kindly provided by thecompaqguy. For anyone who doesn't have a VPN, you might want to look into it. This is not only for avoiding region restrictions on content, but also for overall privacy and encryption of your online activity, particularly in you do any online shopping or banking...

...
And then we move onto an interview with two Americans and in their way they are dressed very smartly, but instantly seen as different. Steve has spotted the head-wear(both) and their additions, quite right Steve. Then we go to subject A. He is wearing a very nice tweed jacket, with no tie and open necked shirt(a minor give away) and a large clan badge on his breast pocket(a major give away). Now subject B very nearly slipped through! So apart from his glengarry(not usual spectator head-wear in Scotland) and its rather overdone attachments it is the tartan tie with the kilt that catches the eye.

As I say, nothing actually wrong, but collectively these fine points instantly say, visitors. Does it matter? Not one jot! But to those visitors that want to try and blend into the surroundings then these points do stand out. I quite accept that nothing can be done about the accent, but if and it is only if, you want to look the part, then details matter.

So perhaps these gents could deal with a bit of less is more? Except for the part about the open collar, where he could lean towards the smarter tendencies of THCD?

[creagdhubh]

For anyone who uses a VPN (virtual private network), you could set your IP address to the UK and use the postal code kindly provided by thecompaqguy. For anyone who doesn't have a VPN, you might want to look into it. This is not only for avoiding region restrictions on content, but also for overall privacy and encryption of your online activity, particularly in you do any online shopping or banking...

So perhaps these gents could deal with a bit of less is more? Except for the part about the open collar, where he could lean towards the smarter tendencies of THCD?

This is what I would do to what Jock described:

Subject A

1) Button up the shirt and put on a non-tartan tie.
2) Remove the clan badge from the breast pocket (assuming it was of the patch variety, to which there is simply no need for it).

Subject B

1) Remove Glengarry and switch to a plain or diced Balmoral (with no attachments, except for a silver clan badge or brooch of some sort and perhaps a sprig of the clan's plant badge), or no headgear at all.
2) Remove tartan tie and switch to a different style of tie (i.e. - striped, solid, crested, etc).



Cheers,

[Lime]

Jolly good; thank you for this Phil. Very enjoyable.

[Alan H]

What if I don't care "to look the part"? What if I go to Scotland, happen to wear a kilt because I like to wear a kilt, and everybody knows I'm from California because of some clothing details?

So what?

The minute they talk to me they'll know I'm from the USA, at the least and if anybody asks, I'm not going to try to lie and tell them I'm NOT from California. I LIKE California.

So what?

Here's the thing....

I don't wear a kilt in order to perfectly emulate the exact look that some current Scotsmen sometimes have on. This whole kilt thing is not an exercise in seeing if I can at least visually imitate someone else. It might be for some other folks, but it's not at all that way for this dude.