The "Other" Scottish Stuff To Wear...

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Of the "other" pieces of "typical" Scottish garb, the sporran and the dirk are period. The kilt pin is a modern creation for those that are modest and don't want the edge of their kilt to flap up in a good breeze. The tartan hose is also period (as seen in woodcuts), again with the warning that there were no tartans associated with any clan in the early days. The flashes, pieces of nylon attached to an elastic band, is a concession to when the hose had no internal elastic or ribbing and the hose had to be tied off. The suit jackets and vests are wholly modern, patterned after military designs. As for the footwear, when the Scots weren't barefoot they wore simple leather slippers akin to moccasins which went no higher than the ankle; the ghille-broughs of today are far too stylish for the common Scot.

The sporran of today is not really functional as a pouch from which it evolved from. It was not worn in front as the sporran is today, but attached to a belt and hung from the right side or back. In the early years the sporran probably carried food, for coinage was rare and barter was the rule. As the Scots grew richer the sporran would hold coins as well. When gunpowder and guns became common, no doubt the sporran was used to hold gunpowder and shot. The sporran was a functional article of clothing. The modern sporran can hold little more than keys and some loose money. Sometimes the sporran will be holding a small round flask that was designed to fit snugly within, whereby one can have a beverage of choice. The most common modern use of the sporran is to hold the front of the kilt down when sitting. There is a "rule" that states that a fur lined sporran is to be worn at night, for it is a more "formal" setting. The Scot in period was fortunate to have a sporran and he wore it whenever, not worrying if he was in fashion or not.

The dirk, a long knife roughly 18" in length, was used by the Scots in battle as a back up weapon in case if they lost their sword or axe. The sgian dubh (skeen do) or the stocking knife was introduced after 1746. The Scots could not bear weapons and had to turn them in to the government forces, but they were allowed to keep small knives that did not exceed a certain length; thus the sgian dubh was born, a small weapon to be carried in the top of the hose. It was a little touch of legal rebellion in times when rebellion was met with hanging.

I need to research these flasks better and find some REAL good ones to post!

[GMan]

Jimmy,

You are such a wealth of information, and still such a great humorist. Thank you.

[Rob Wright]

Jimmy, I have found that a 5 oz round flask fits nicely in most sporrans. I can even fit my big 8 oz flask into mine though it does take up most of the room.

Rob Wright

[Raphael]

Thank you Jimmy.

[Graham]

Thanks Jimmy, your posts remind me of the great historical info we used to get from Rob, God Bless him. This is interesting reading.

The Scots could not bear weapons and had to turn them in to the government forces, but they were allowed to keep small knives that did not exceed a certain length; thus the sgian dubh was born, a small weapon to be carried in the top of the hose.

this is not unlike Australia today, while I have no wish to carry a handgun (now illegal anyway) there are laws that even forbid carrying a small knife, and the laws are getting tougher.

Times have not changed so much!

[Xcop]

Jimmy, Thanks for this info and all the other bits you have posted recently. Keep up the good work.

David

[bear]

Nice post Jimmy!
It confirms my observations as far as traditional wear goes.
It seems to me that what is called a traditional kilt is taken from one point in history and steadfastly referred to as traditional. There are traditions that date farther back than this time but they are largely disregarded.
All the talk of what is proper to wear with the kilt, or even which pleating and pattern is used, is largely fabricated to convince people to buy the more expensive kilts on the market. It is a very successful marketing ploy. Just look at how many people, (even well meaning people), will correct you if you don't wear your kilt exactly the 'proper' way.
I have been saying exactly this sort of thing since I started Bear Kilts.
Kilts were originally garments worn however the wearer pleased. Don't let anyone tell you something else!
If it is sometimes hard to wear a kilt in this age of pants, can it be much harder to wear a non-traditional kilt? If the truth is difficult, is it any less true?

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Jimmy, I have found that a 5 oz round flask fits nicely in most sporrans. I can even fit my big 8 oz flask into mine though it does take up most of the room.

Rob Wright

Now THERE'S a man with his priorities straight!

Bear... your're right! Apart from being careful not to offend someone on the tartans, isn't it interesting about the actual dress? I can understand not wearing a Royal, Dress or Military tartan. All this research is just making the whole kilt-wearing thing so wide open now.

Suddenly, what you wear is becoming YOUR personality (beyond just wearing a kilt). Once you pick the history of the district, clan, or nation... you're actually displaying YOUR personality. The whole thing is more a matter of YOUR preference over tradition. With that, I know that I'll be wearing my MapleLeaf Tartan and Irish National Tartan MUCH more.

[Casey]

With so much intermarying the family links to the tartan will continue to grow weaker. The result, as I see it, will be a return to wearing what you like.

I hope that the Tartan Police won't come after me for saying this.

Casey

[Freelander Sporrano]

With so much intermarying the family links to the tartan will continue to grow weaker. The result, as I see it, will be a return to wearing what you like.

I hope that the Tartan Police won't come after me for saying this.

Casey

Your Nicked auld son!!
Get in the back with the rest of'um