Cameron of Erracht appropriateness

[creagdhubh]

I would be curious to know if any sitting chiefs or any of their close retinue are x-markers.

Doubtful, though many of us know our respected clan chiefs well. I try to see my own (Cluny) twice a year, God willing.

[OC Richard]

As to the origin or design of Erracht Cameron, it's nearly identical to MacDonald, the only difference being a pair of fine red lines removed and replaced by a single yellow line. It become a "chicken or the egg" thing, because as I recall MacDonald isn't documented until Logan 1831, while Erracht Cameron dates to 1793.

I've always loved Erract Cameron and would love to have a military style boxpleated kilt in it.

Here we go, some old postcards etc showing Erracht Cameron in its "native element" the Army









and a closeup of the lovely box pleats



and yours truly wearing it

[figheadair]

As to the origin or design of Erracht Cameron, it's nearly identical to MacDonald, the only difference being a pair of fine red lines removed and replaced by a single yellow line. It become a "chicken or the egg" thing, because as I recall MacDonald isn't documented until Logan 1831, while Erracht Cameron dates to 1793.

Not so. Wilsons were weaving MacDonald by 1800 at least and there is a speciment in the Cockburn collection of 1810. It's quite likely that it was originally a Fencible sett and so probably contemporary with the Erracht, there or there abouts.

[Grizzly]

Have now post a letter to Lochiel, asking about the status of the Cameron of Erracht tartan for general Cameron usage. Will post the reply here in due course.

[TheOfficialBren]

Simon, Have you heard back from Lochiel?

[Grizzly]

Hi Bren, no not yet, but am in Malta at the moment having a holiday. Malta is a little island in the Mediterranean between Italy and Africa . Wifi is a bit hit and miss here. Not back home till next week so hopefully may have a response waiting for me when I get back.

[TheOfficialBren]

Right-o, mate. Enjoy your holiday.



Malta? I've wanted to go there for some time.
Sidenote: My dog is a Yorkie-Maltese mix.

[OC Richard]

Not so. Wilsons were weaving MacDonald by 1800 at least and there is a speciment in the Cockburn collection of 1810. It's quite likely that it was originally a Fencible sett and so probably contemporary with the Erracht, there or there abouts.

Thanks! Is MacDonald's earliest appearance in a Wilsons pattern book datable to a specific year?

About The Cockburn Collection of 1810, I've often wondered at Donald C Stewart's reliance on Logan 1831, rather than to earlier collections of actual cloth.

In any case my point stands that Erracht Cameron has an earlier firm date than MacDonald, based on your information. Someone trying to prove that MacDonald served as the basis for Erracht Cameron would have to establish a provenance at least as early as 1793 for MacDonald.

[figheadair]

Thanks! Is MacDonald's earliest appearance in a Wilsons pattern book datable to a specific year?

No. A finger in the wind guess would be c1780-1800 for the MacDonald. I think I recall seeing a reference to the MacDonald in John Wilson's 1780 acct book but need a day at the National Library to check.

In any case my point stands that Erracht Cameron has an earlier firm date than MacDonald, based on your information. Someone trying to prove that MacDonald served as the basis for Erracht Cameron would have to establish a provenance at least as early as 1793 for MacDonald.

I've heard that many times but there is no evidence to support it - see para 2 of my paper (http://www.scottishtartans.co.uk/The...acht_Cloth.pdf).

[Grizzly]

Just a quick update now I am back from foreign shores. There was no reply from Lochiel awaiting my return. Hopefully I will get one eventually.