Sporran and Shoe Color

[Troglodyte]

It has long been a convention that black brogues only are worn with the kilt - and it is a common sight, especially here in Scotland.

The origin of this is debatable, and is frequently given as having its roots in military traditions that get carried over into civilian life. In the British army 'the men' are issued with black footwear for service dress, while officers and senior NCOs wear brown - which was seen in both infantry and cavalry regiments.

The Highland regiments were different. Both officers and men wore black brogues, and continue to do so.

Brown leather sporrans are a different issue, and are not necessarily connected with the colour of the footwear the kiltie prefers. Brown leather is the 'country colour' and has associations with officers and gentlemen - yeoman farmers across the UK were expected to appear on the hunting field in brown leather boots and tweeds, which set them apart from hunt-servants and members who would most often be in black top-boots and red hunt coats. Followers would be in black coats and black boots.

Brown leather military accessories (belts, pouches, holsters, etc) and footwear has always been the preference of the gentleman, and so brown leather for a sporran will naturally be most men's preference for informal wear.

In sartorial colour-coding terms, brown leather suggests you are a land-owning gentleman, of the officer class - what in Scotland would class you as a laird.

The loathing hatred that is often targeted at ghillie brogues is curious, and is wildly misplaced. Descriptions of Highland footwear found in 16th and 17th century accounts are pretty close to the appearance of modern-day ghillie brogues, and so they have a strong case of being the only true form of Highland dress footwear. Certainly far more authentic and true than the English 20th century forms of footwear (Oxfords, Derbys) that so frequently get promoted as 'traditional' Highland dress footwear.

Brown ghillie brogues are now more frequently seen, but they too have a long history - anyone familiar with MacLeay's see that they have been around for at leats 150 years - longer than the modern style of kilt, tweed Argyles, and dark evening doublets.

Is it wrong or incorrect to wear black shoes with a brown sporran, or even a black sporran? Of course not - how could it be? It is simply a matter of personal preference, but black is seen as smarter than brown for informal dress occasions.

Brogues have always been given as the 'correct' shoe for with the kilt (whether ghillie or fully-closed is individual preference) but any shoe is acceptable - a walk around any Games field here in Scotland will show just how rigidly the kiltie on his home soil sticks to The Rules that get applied overseas.

[Janner52]

It is pretty clear that the North American views on Highland dress have evolved differently to those in Scotland.

You say that you will be the only man wearing the kilt at this wedding. Therefore there may be no one else in a position to criticise. If you were to wear black shoes with a brown sporran and someone commented, you reply would that it is Highland tradition. If you wore double black or even double brown then that would be your preference. As had frequently been said on this forum Americans like to match. Scots don’t worry.

On the subject of ghillies I’m with Jock.

My advice would be wear what you feel comfortable with. As long as it is appropriate for the occasion.
Just make sure everything is pressed. polished and fits properly. (Old soldier coming out here).

Nobody will care. You will be fine.

[Canadian Vet]

It is pretty clear that the North American views on Highland dress have evolved differently to those in Scotland.

You say that you will be the only man wearing the kilt at this wedding. Therefore there may be no one else in a position to criticise. If you were to wear black shoes with a brown sporran and someone commented, you reply would that it is Highland tradition. If you wore double black or even double brown then that would be your preference. As had frequently been said on this forum Americans like to match. Scots don’t worry.

On the subject of ghillies I’m with Jock.

My advice would be wear what you feel comfortable with. As long as it is appropriate for the occasion.
Just make sure everything is pressed. polished and fits properly. (Old soldier coming out here).

Nobody will care. You will be fine.

I wear shoes that are both black and brown because I am chea .... err ... thrifty.

[Father Bill]

I wear shoes that are both black and brown because I am chea .... err ... thrifty.

Wow! Two-tone, eh?

[TNScotsman]

Just make sure everything is pressed. polished and fits properly. (Old soldier coming out here).

That's a given, but how do you find the gig line on a kilt!?! (IYKYK)

[NHhighlander]

I wear shoes that are both black and brown because I am chea .... err ... thrifty.

One color for each foot?

Actually, same reason .... ing here, my one pair of formal shoes should have been in a museum, real wood nails, fantastic quality and leather, but rather worn thus just a couple dollars did I pay for. Hmm, where are they, THAT would work for me, pretty much identical to what the Duke of E was weaving in the pictures shared earlier.

[TNScotsman]

This has been quite the lively and educational discussion; thank you to all who have chimed in.

Last night took a very surprising turn and at the invitation of the couple rather than attending the wedding I am now the officiant!

The bride enthusiastically endorses my wear of the kilt, which is echoed by the groom and his family, although I am now free to wear green as I'm in the wedding rather than a guest. I have (I think wisely) invited the bride to survey my kilts and simply pick the one she likes best, and from there I'll accessorize appropriately. In Tennessee a notary public has the legal authority to perform weddings, so my paperwork to get the proper license was submitted this morning. Thankfully our friends are good planners and the wedding is in November, which will allow time for the proper license to come through.

Those of you who have officiated in the past, any advice is welcome! I have a great deal of experience with public speaking so am confident I can perform well, but this will be my first time being on that side of the ceremony versus either the groom (only once, but it stuck!), a member of the wedding party, or simply an attendee.

[NHhighlander]

Wow! I just want to get here before Father Bill, and others who have better experience, and let they share.
Just allow me to say, that "it stuck" as you mention, is in my not so humble opinion your best qualification for this role, and perhaps why you have been called to such a responsibility. You'll do great, I am sure