Ghillie Laces done up high to knee?

[Kriegbert]

Wow that article is quite a hodgepodge.

It's tempting to make an evolutionary connection between the rough-and-ready footwear described in that old account and the Ghillie Brogues as we know them, which are first seen in Victorian times.

And for sure traditional folk footwear more or less like the Aran pamputai have long existed in Bulgaria and other European cultures, and it's tempting to make a connection between these various things and the Scottish Highland footwear described.

The trouble is, I've haven't seen any evidence demonstrating such evolutionary connections.

I would love to know more! But that article doesn't appear to add anything to our knowledge of the origin of the Victorian/modern Scottish Highland Ghillie Brogues.

Your closeups of the ghillie brogues have reminded me of another detail: broguing. One mostly only finds of ghillie brogues the heavily brogued types today; but this clearly shows less brogued versions. Particularly the extended heel quarters shape is interesting It would be good if one could compile a repository of ghillie brogue designs

[Queenslander]

Three twists of the laces at the front, three twists at the back then tied in front- sits securely just above the ankle.

[stickman]

Good picture of the Field Marshal Montgomerie pipe band. About 30 years ago I was working in Ulster and asked about pipe bands. It so happened one mans son played with FMM pipe band and he took me to a chanter practice session. There were 10 members playing and they sounded like 1 loud chanter. I went to the British championships with them in Stranraer Scotland where they took first place. Then everyone went to the beer tent. The guy that took me to the practice session had a pint in each hand (he was drinking both) .When I asked if they had to play again his answer was "ah it does nea matter if I get drunk the pipes will just play ther sels.