So what's the deal with day plaids.

[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.

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

If I am not mistaken, the Gentleman with the fly plaid in Matt's first picture is John Alexander MacArthur, chief of Clan Arthur.

[Pleater]

When I go off to my week long folk festival I take a couple of long plaids - as I tend to go about in tee shirt and kilt, if the weather takes a turn for the worse I can unwrap the plaid and wind it around, put the end over my head and stave off hypothermia. When I get inside I often steam alarmingly due to the heat trapped by its insulating properties. If the wind gets up the extra layer helps to keep the kilt from flying up and exposing the elderly male onlookers to the dangers of too much lace.

I justify the extravagance of so much wool as I play the drum for morris dancing, there are enough examples of pipes and drums appearing there over the years for the association to be made.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Dale Seago]

I have to say I do like the look; and there are times here, especially in the damp chill of winter, when it could be a practical accessory and not just an affectation. It occurs to me that I have a 4-yard length of single-width heavyweight Douglas Weathered just sitting on a shelf that I used to use as a feileadh beag but haven't touched in years. Hmmm. . .

Anyone have a recommendation for "best online tutorial for self-fringing"?

[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?

[Livingston]

If I am not mistaken, the Gentleman with the fly plaid in Matt's first picture is John Alexander MacArthur, chief of Clan Arthur.

The one on the left is Niall Livingstone, Baron of the Buchuil, Chief of Clan MacLea (Livingstone) so I am assuming the gentleman on the right is the one you are refering to. Correct?