The Kilted Calendar

[macwilkin]

These are all great posts. Although I know you don't need a reason to wear the kilt other than "I woke up this morning", some people are reluctant to wear a kilt without a reason to do so. These dates will hopefully provide an excuse for these folks. They will also provide an answer for "Why are you wearing a kilt?" And with this information, a conversation could be started where both parties learn a little something.

Excellent point, Dave. It's in keeping with the local mantra, "know your tartan".

When I worked for the park service, we were always reminded that when we were in uniform (the good ol' grey & greens) that we were ambassadors for the NPS, and that an interpretation ranger (one that talks to folks and presents programs, etc.) is always on duty, since folks ask questions anywhere & anytime.

I think that as "ambassadors" for kilts and the wearing of said garments, the kilted calendar is a good conversation starter.

Cheers,

Todd

[davedove]

Since interest has resurfaced for this topic, I bumped it up.

Here's two more dates to add:

25 October, 1739
The six independant companies of the "Highland Watch" or the “Black Watch”, originally raised in 1729, along with four newly-raised companies, were incorporated into a Regiment of Foot under John, the Earl of Crawford. This Regiment was originally numbered the 43rd Highland Regiment, but was renumbered as the 42nd in 1749.

22 July, 1758
The 42nd Highland Regiment, the “Black Watch”, is given its 'Royal' designation.

These are both great days to break out that Black Watch kilt that many of us bought as one of our first kilts.

[macwilkin]

Since interest has resurfaced for this topic, I bumped it up.

Here's two more dates to add:

25 October, 1739
The six independant companies of the "Highland Watch" or the “Black Watch”, originally raised in 1729, along with four newly-raised companies, were incorporated into a Regiment of Foot under John, the Earl of Crawford. This Regiment was originally numbered the 43rd Highland Regiment, but was renumbered as the 42nd in 1749.

22 July, 1758
The 42nd Highland Regiment, the “Black Watch”, is given its 'Royal' designation.

These are both great days to break out that Black Watch kilt that many of us bought as one of our first kilts.

Good ideas, Dave. Each of the Scottish regiments (as well as other regiments of the British Army) have their own particular regimental day, be it the "birthday" of the regiment, or a commemoration of a battle that the regiment fought in. So, for instance, one of the regimental days for the Gordon Highlanders was Dargai Day, 20 October 1897, when the Gordons, along with the Second Gurkha Rifles, stormed the heights of Dargai in Afganistan. During the attack, one of the Gordons pipers, George Findlater, was shot through the ankles, but continued to play to rally the troops. Findlater later received the VC for his actions.

http://www.cabarfeidh.com/dargai.htm

So, all of you Gordons out there, wear the tartan on 20 October for Piper Findlater!

There are so many regimental days that if you wear a tartan associated with a regiment (Goverment, Mackenzie, Gordon, Stewart Hunting, Leslie,etc.) you can find a number of "reasons" to wear a tartan!

Cheers,

Todd