So what's the deal with day plaids.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

A few more modern examples....

Here, the gentleman on the left is the chief of the Clan MacLea (Livingston) and is wearing a day plaid, while the gentleman on the right is wearing a fly plaid.


The chief of Clan Farquharson.


Cameron of Locheil. Note his plaid is a different tartan than his kilt, though both are Cameron tartans.


A gathering of Clan Donald chiefs. Note some of the plaids are matching the kilt, some are not. All are MacDonald tartans.

[Domehead]

A few more modern examples....

Here, the gentleman on the left is the chief of the Clan MacLea (Livingston) and is wearing a day plaid, while the gentleman on the right is wearing a fly plaid.


The chief of Clan Farquharson.


Cameron of Locheil. Note his plaid is a different tartan than his kilt, though both are Cameron tartans.


A gathering of Clan Donald chiefs. Note some of the plaids are matching the kilt, some are not. All are MacDonald tartans.

Mr. Newsome will be making me another 4YBP, this in Hunter of Hunterston - Ancient, honoring that branch of the family. My family emigrated in the 20th Century and settled in Upstate NY. A significant annual event is the Niagara Celtic Festival held at Olcott Beach. However, the festival is scheduled late August to early September. As my family settled but a mile from the grounds, to an extent, we are expected to attend and the weather is much cooler.

Along with the kilt, Matt and I purchased 4 additional yards of single width fabric (D.C. Dalgliesh) with the express purpose of a Laird's Plaid. It is intended for practical use, to wit I will braid the ends myself:
1. for my wife to drape while we traverse the grounds, close to the lake
2. to sit on the cool ground, particularly at shepherding events
3. 4 yds single-width as if to suggest the "other" half of a breacan-an-feile

My goal is to respectfully emulate the look of Mr. Newsome in his F. Britt sporrans and the Honorable Chiefs of Clans MacLea and Farquharson .

[MacRobert's Reply]

Is it significant that in the more modern pictures of laird's plaids being worn in Scotland the wearers all appear to be chiefs?

[Domehead]

That is an interesting question. Immediatley, I thought twice:
1. Having read multiple conversation on XMTS re: Plaids, I don't recall "limitations", as it were.
2. It reminds me of the "white stripe within a sett" conversation...

Historically, many vintage tartans included white stripes of various widths for myriad reasons. Then, one uncovers situations such as Argyle Campbell and, to a lesser extent, Robertson with white:

The Argyle Campbell's white (& yellow?) stripe is acknowldged by the 13th Duke of Argyll Ian Campbell, to be a presumptuous detail on the part of the 6th Duke of Argyll: a distinction on the part of the Chief, separating him from the rest of clan members and not received very well. Subsequently, it is not recognized as emblematic of Clan Campbell.

The Robertson white line is among the oldest samples on record. But, the Highland Society of London actually received the "Hunting" Robertson with sign and seal - which also includes a white line. The Robertson acknowledged by the Lord Lyon (as backing for the Clan Badge / Crest) doesn't include the white line. But, the Lord Lyon doesn't have right to determine authenticity of Clan tartan - only Chiefs. So, is it just for 23rd Chief A.G.H. Robertson of Straun & his family? He does wear the white stripe version. I would never, largely because the Robertson tartan (aquired in Breadalbane area c1940-1950) which still survives our family doesn't include it. But, who knows.

The point is, at one time, the plaid was practical and worn by anyone needing it - the other half of your ol' belted plaid. Over the course of time, it may have slid into a niche' detail most often seen as a destinction among Chiefs. Today, we have all the information, both historically and contemporarily. Personally, I am not concerned, in so much as I intend mine for practical use, not as peacock plumage. If I were concerned, depending on event and attendees, I would ask Jock Scot his thoughts and then heed his advice.

[flairball]

I'm getting it all wrong these days. I would have sworn I just read a thread, tone of which wasn't very pro plaid. Anyway, the education continues.

[Jock Scot]

I'm getting it all wrong these days. I would have sworn I just read a thread, tone of which wasn't very pro plaid. Anyway, the education continues.

I stand to be corrected here but I think the "not very pro plaid" thread was concerning a fly plaid, which has no practical use whatsoever. On the other hand the "lairds/day plaid", whilst is still a bind to cart about, did at least and indeed still does have a practical use in keeping the inclement weather at bay. These days there are far better alternatives.

[flairball]

I stand to be corrected here but I think the "not very pro plaid" thread was concerning a fly plaid, which has no practical use whatsoever. On the other hand the "lairds/day plaid", whilst is still a bind to cart about, did at least and indeed still does have a practical use in keeping the inclement weather at bay. These days there are far better alternatives.

Thanks Jock. Didn't know there were different versions of the plaid. Glad to know I wasn't imagining the recent thread, too.

[Domehead]

I stand to be corrected here but I think the "not very pro plaid" thread was concerning a fly plaid, which has no practical use whatsoever. On the other hand the "lairds/day plaid", whilst is still a bind to cart about, did at least and indeed still does have a practical use in keeping the inclement weather at bay. These days there are far better alternatives.

Jock, Sir,
Please correct me if I'm talking out of turn...

I remember you regaling us with an anecdote re: Laird's plaid single-width v. double-width:
A Gent at a Games Day you attended in your youth, inclement weather & sharing a tree. He was soaked, as the single ell did little to cover all but his shoulders, while your double-width cloaked nicely. Am I correct?

[creagdhubh]

My goal is to respectfully emulate the look of Mr. Newsome in his F. Britt sporrans and the Honorable Chiefs of Clans MacLea and Farquharson .

A fine goal indeed.

Cheers,

[Harold Cannon]

I actually like a day/laird's/shepherd's plaid. I have 3 total and use them for daywear.

Here is one.