Goin' to a Kirkin'

[WolfmanJack]

Here is the kit I wore to participate in the Duluth Scottish Heritage Association's Kirkin' o' the Tartan. Comments from the rabble?



P.S.: I had the honor to read "Listen Men" for the ceremony.
This is bringing before all the Sons of the Gael that the King and Parliament of Britain have forever abolished the Act against the Highland Dress that came down to the Clans from the beginning of the world to the year 1746. This must bring great joy to every Highland heart. You are no longer bound down to the unmanly dress of the Lowlander. This is declaring to every man, young and old, Commons and Gentles that they, may after this put on and wear the Trews, the Little Kilt, the Doublet and Hose, along with the Tartan Kilt, without fear of the Law, of the Land or the jealousy, of enemies.

[piperchris]

You look terrific! I hope you enjoy the event!

[Duke of Delrio]

I think it looks great. If I could look that good, I would live nearer people.

[LANCER1562]

It looks great. I especially like the cape and the sporran is fantastic.

[Jock Scot]

Very smart sir!

Whilst I am no expert on church matters and I am pretty sure that we don't do the "kirking" thing over here, but I have to say that for us over here in the Highlands, your attire would be rather over the top for normal church events. The plaid would never be worn and a tweed argyll would be worn and whilst the cloak is a smart and sensible piece of attire, it would rarely be seen, other than on a vicar. To my Scottish eyes you are wearing, very well, the equivalent(and plus a tad with the plaid) of a morning suit and would be regarded as "gilding the lilly" more than somewhat.

Just so you know and well, you did ask!

[Meadcrafter]

Sir, I am wonderfuly impressed.

[Mipi]

Stunning!
Well done!!!

[Phil]

Is it a fairly usual custom in your country to have a 'kirking' for various occasions? I know it is sometimes the custom here that the local town or district council have a 'kirking' although have no idea what it entails. Your outfit looks very smart if perhaps a little OTT for Scottish eyes for such an event but I suppose if you've got it - flaunt it. You certainly look well wrapped up for that snowy weather anyway.

[CMcG]

Firstly, I've never been to a kirkin' o' the tartan. In light of Jock Scot's comments, I looked at WolfmanJack's outfit and tried to imagine what such an occasion would entail.

Judging by the high level of spiffiness, I'd say it is a fairly important event and also a rather special occasion? Traditionally, I believe the dress Argyll jacket, patterned hose cuffs, and medallion sporran are all about as formal as one might get for a daytime event. The fly plaid is perhaps a bit over the top, but overall I think this is still a very sharp look.

I'm curious to know what other people were wearing? And was there a specific dress code for this service?

[Chas]

Hello Jack,

Very impressive, I must say.

As it is a Kirkin' o' the Tartan event, everyone would naturally want to display as much tartan as possible. To that end, I have no problems with the fly plaid.

My only question is this - How does it work together with the cape? Did you wear the cape for the duration of the ceremony? If not, does the fly have to come off and then be re-affixed after the cape is removed? I would be really interested in how the whole procedure works.

Regards

Chas