Which model hat goes well with kilt and Inverness cape?

[Father Bill]

Inverness capes are rarely worn by anyone in Scotland these days, silly really as they are perfect to cope with some of our weather, except for members of pipe bands.

That's interesting, my friend - a recent (20 years or so) trend in Canada has been the waxed Australian style with a shoulder cape which really looks much like a variation on the Inverness. I think it started with a mini-series on TV that was set in Australia, and since then they haven't really died off. Actually I own one of the shorter cape-less versions and rather like it.

[Jock Scot]

That's interesting, my friend - a recent (20 years or so) trend in Canada has been the waxed Australian style with a shoulder cape which really looks much like a variation on the Inverness. I think it started with a mini-series on TV that was set in Australia, and since then they haven't really died off. Actually I own one of the shorter cape-less versions and rather like it.

I call them the "Dry as a Bone"(I think Drizabone might have been the trademark)look and I even wore one in Australia for a few months too! Oh yes some go for the rugged outback look and style whilst watching a horse show over here, but they are not really the same as an Inverness. For example most modern day Inverness capes have no sleeves.

I cannot recall seeing the kilt worn with an "Aussie style" coat either.

[Father Bill]

Oh, quite correct - it's just the "shoulder cape effect" that I compare, that and the dryness factor. I've often thought of an Inverness; just never got around to it. My only shoulder cape right now goes with my cassock and surplice when I want to look a mite more formal, like this afternoon - interment - sadly, an old friend from my childhood. He married my Gr. 4-5 teacher, very much his junior.

This was the 50s, and the idea of teachers having any sort of a personal life, let alone a sex life was utterly scandalous. Any angry parent accosted the principal in his office and demanded, "Did you know that Miss B. & Mr. L. are engaged to be MARRIED!"

He leaned back in his chair and nodding seriously said, "Yes, I did know that."

"Well, what are you going to DO about it?" she hollered.

"Well," he said still nodding thoughtfully, "I was thinking crystal."

Very sorry for the hi-jack, but the shoulder cape thing just led me to this thought process that is so much on my mind as I prepare this service and nip out to XMarks from time to time.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled discussion of hats and capes.