fly plaid?

[Tarheel]

I see you're in Virginia where it may not get cold enough to often need a fly plaid. A simple but elegant ensemble can be put together with fewer extra items to keep up with (ie. dirk, sword and baldrick, etc) and be acceptable to host even the best guests in a variety of settings.

[Macman]

I'm in agreement with Mr. Thompson on this one.

[Jock Scot]

I have not been to North America, so I have no personal experience there, but from what I have seen and read on this website over many years, then I cannot help but agree with Mr. Thompson.

[Jock Scot]

I see you're in Virginia where it may not get cold enough to often need a fly plaid. A simple but elegant ensemble can be put together with fewer extra items to keep up with (ie. dirk, sword and baldrick, etc) and be acceptable to host even the best guests in a variety of settings.

In Scotland if one was meeting a VIP in an official civilian capacity at a Highland Games, for example, then a tweed argyll,shirt and tie, kilt of course, day sporran, plain coloured hose and black brogues are quite sufficient. The only slightly unusual addition that might be added could perhaps be a balmoral bonnet.

All this swords, dirks, plaids and shiny baubles stuff,is nothing more than pure brigadoonary in most cases. However, I would not necessarily include the cromach in that category.

[figheadair]

In Scotland if one was meeting a VIP in an official civilian capacity at a Highland Games, for example, then a tweed argyll,shirt and tie, kilt of course, day sporran, plain coloured hose and black brogues are quite sufficient. The only slightly unusual addition that might be added could perhaps be a balmoral bonnet.

All this swords, dirks, plaids and shiny baubles stuff,is nothing more than pure brigadoonary in most cases. However, I would not necessarily include the cromach in that category.

I agree completely Jock. I've never worn a Fly Plaid and cannot conceive of an event when I might. It’s a piece of Highland Revival frippery that has no practical use so far as I’m concerned. And year, apart from some of those dreadful Hire Shop outfits, is a rare beast in Scotland these days.

[Tomo]

Pipers maybe... otherwise I can't see the need or the desire to wear a fly plaid

[Karl R]

It’s a piece of Highland Revival frippery that has no practical use so far as I’m concerned.

There's a USA Kilts video that convinced me that a fly plaid is a really impractical accessory.

The key points I took away from the video:

• It looks awesome in photos.
• It's a pain to wear, because it pulls up on that corner of your jacket.
• You shouldn't wear it as a guest to a wedding, because you'll upstage the groom.
• Even at Rocky's wedding, he wore the fly plaid for the ceremony and the photos, then took it off for the rest of the evening.

[imbrius]

Were I asked to be the guest of honour at a black tie event where others would be kilted, I would remotely consider wearing an evening plaid. I probably would not consider it for very long, however, since it's an unneeded and fairly ostentatious accessory.

I'd think for this day and age, a day plaid is nearing anachronism, even for Scottish armigers.

[kiltedsawyer]

I just have to ask as this is the second time in a very short period that I have seen this word. When did "commonest" become a word? Should it not be "most common?" Is this one of those "two countries divided by a common language" things?

Cheers,

David

[figheadair]

I just have to ask as this is the second time in a very short period that I have seen this word. When did "commonest" become a word? Should it not be "most common?" Is this one of those "two countries divided by a common language" things?

Cheers,

David

You're probably right. Given Scotty Thompson was not in the first flush of youth when he wrote the book it's obviously not one of those dreadful modernisms, for example, the use of impact in place of affect.