Atholl Highlanders & the Duke come to Athol, Massachusetts!

**OC Richard** · 6th June 12, 03:51 AM

I love the uniforms of both the pipers and the soldiers of the Atholl Highlanders. They're archaeic in many ways, with several features popular in the 2nd quarter of the 19th century (and common in The Highlanders of Scotland) which were dropped by the Army as the 19th century progressed and no longer form part of Highland regimental uniform.

And a seemingly unique feature, the soldiers wearing kilts in modern tartan but full plaids in...what is it? Ancient Colours? Wilson's Colours? The plaids seem to have been around a long time, so maybe they have just faded from age and use.

The red socks are something I've not seen them wear before. I'm used to seeing the solders as well as the pipers in red & white diced full hose.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 6th June 12, 04:17 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

I love the uniforms of both the pipers and the soldiers of the Atholl Highlanders. They're archaeic in many ways, with several features popular in the 2nd quarter of the 19th century (and common in The Highlanders of Scotland) which were dropped by the Army as the 19th century progressed and no longer form part of Highland regimental uniform.

And a seemingly unique feature, the soldiers wearing kilts in modern tartan but full plaids in...what is it? Ancient Colours? Wilson's Colours? The plaids seem to have been around a long time, so maybe they have just faded from age and use.

The red socks are something I've not seen them wear before. I'm used to seeing the solders as well as the pipers in red & white diced full hose.

Richard, all their kilts are indeed new, but the majority of the plaids are from the nineteenth century and woven by Wilsons of Bannockburn. So yes, they are in "Wilsons' colors" but are not a modern recreation of such. They are the real deal. :-)

The red hose are not a new part of their uniform, I have noted them in just about every photo I have seen of the Atholl Highlanders. Do a google search and you'll notice them, I'm sure, now that you are looking for them. I think the deep red color works quite well with a blue/green tartan such as this, with a red stripe.

**JSFMACLJR** · 6th June 12, 05:40 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

The red socks are something I've not seen them wear before. I'm used to seeing the solders as well as the pipers in red & white diced full hose.

The red hose ( sort of a "ragg" style sock with black flecks) have been worn by all ranks for years. The officers wear red and white diced hose with mess dress, which the pipers also wear.