Resurrecting Texas Highlanders (THR)

**Tartan Texan Trenton** · 27th July 09, 02:23 PM

I will support this effort from my home base of San Antonio - though I'm deploying in two months, so my help will be limited. I agree that the Texas Bluebonnet, while pretty, looks somewhat washed out in photos. And I'll remind you that in addition to the Gunns, we MacKays are well represented here in Texas - there is even an anual MacKay/Gunn tug-of-war (all that is left of our feuding, and now it's just for bragging rights!). I'm not convinced of the necessity of matching tartans for a parade group unless it's a competition pipe band. The Army and Leatherneck tartans are both nice - and I want one of each as I'm a dual veteran. That said, I would LOVE to see y'all pipe us in at our welcome ceremony when we return from Iraq next year!

**Wolfhawk** · 27th July 09, 03:04 PM

I spoke to the lady who runs 'Scotland Forever' in Frisco and she wants you to call her, please, about this.

**Wolfhawk** · 27th July 09, 03:06 PM

Col, where do we stand on this now?

What are the proposed items that you think is the desired ones(between all your PMs and messages in this topic and your own personal point of view) ?

I do not want this to 'disappear', so I am being a inquiring mind.

**4thAWpipeSGT** · 27th July 09, 07:01 PM

COL
Good to see this topic. I haven't been on this board in a long time.

I will pipe for y'all if you need (and I don't have another honor guard engagement or flight). I have pretty much the old 401st ASG uniform (Black Watch, black lawpro, NCM khaki balmoral, lovat hose), but I would suggest the following for a purely TX nature as well as bowing to the rather tropical bent of our climate:
-black watch pattern
-diced black/red hose tops
-khaki spats (where does one find those?)
-black or brown shoes
-black or brown belt
-khaki shirt
-khaki NCM balmoral with khaki tourie

Sonny

**Merlin** · 27th July 09, 07:37 PM

I can't pipe or drum but I can wear my Clan Gunn kilt and look dead sexy!

**McMathTX** · 29th July 09, 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by Tartan Texan Trenton

I'm not convinced of the necessity of matching tartans for a parade group unless it's a competition pipe band.

I have to say that a squad in individual tartans has an appeal to me. I may be off base, but individuals in different tartans strikes me as "Scottish" while strict adherence to a uniform tartan might be considered "British." And then, Texans are well known for their individualities, so maybe everyone in their own tartans, with everything else uniform isn't such a bad idea. It's also cheaper since we already have our kilts!

**macwilkin** · 29th July 09, 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by Kilted_Animal

Perhaps you might find more info about this unit if you reviewed information on Confederate units during the Civil War or even the Texas STATE Guard, a non-federal unit that is currently active today. I am a former SFC from the TSG and served on the color guard of my unit. We did the Dallas Adolphis Christmas Parade for several years as well as others. We did only one funeral however, lack of equipment if you know what I mean. Keep me posted as to your intentions, if time permits I would participate.

To my knowledge, there were no "Scottish" Texas units during the Civil War.

T.

**Merlin** · 29th July 09, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by McMathTX

I have to say that a squad in individual tartans has an appeal to me. I may be off base, but individuals in different tartans strikes me as "Scottish" while strict adherence to a uniform tartan might be considered "British." And then, Texans are well known for their individualities, so maybe everyone in their own tartans, with everything else uniform isn't such a bad idea. It's also cheaper since we already have our kilts!

Never thought of it that way but that is an excellent point.

**macwilkin** · 29th July 09, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by McMathTX

I have to say that a squad in individual tartans has an appeal to me. I may be off base, but individuals in different tartans strikes me as "Scottish" while strict adherence to a uniform tartan might be considered "British." And then, Texans are well known for their individualities, so maybe everyone in their own tartans, with everything else uniform isn't such a bad idea. It's also cheaper since we already have our kilts!

Remember though that You can be "British" and "Scottish" at the same time. (right, Jock?)

T.

**cajuncelt** · 30th July 09, 12:19 PM

Colonel, as the piper (or a piper), what bag covers do we need? Insignifigant probably, but I have a window of opportunity to get some new covers right now.