Laird's/Day Plaid

**English Bloke** · 12th February 09, 10:32 PM

And I also think King Edward the 8th looks like a right Charlie there; but then again he was!

**McMurdo** · 12th February 09, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

Agreed but; Is? or was?

Isn't that what the boots (trunks) of cars are for nowadays?

Your obvious chivalry is without question and if you like the look, go ahead Jamie. For me it's a bit err... too much. In this day and age, I can protect my women and children from the elements without lugging around a horse blanket on my shoulder. If it really is raining on our parade I'd be urging my family back to the shelter of our 7 seater, horseless carriage. (yeah, that's another thing about having a family... The motorbike and two seater sportscar are the first things to go).

Don't misunderstand me. I appreciate the sentiment and the efforts to emulate our forebears but in all honesty what would contemporary women and children prefer, a prudent view of the weather forecast followed by a cautionary and deftly erected Gazebo or a sofa blanket carried on the off chance?

Smacks of costume to me. Just my thoughts mind.

Bit like flat caps and white socks I suppose... each to their own.

John
I thought as we have been discussing the Lairds Plaid over the past few weeks, with photographic examples by Puffer, that I would try the look myself. Will I wear this on a daily or even monthly basis? No, as you, I find the look just a bit theatrical. However I'm glad I tried it as it is, to my eye a good look albeit somewhat old fashioned and a bit over the top so to speak as you say in this day and age.

I may try something like this again if my Inverness Cape was missing and all I had was a tartan blanket. This is simply an attempt by me to try my hand at a particular style of Highland Dress, it may not have it's place in everyday wear but that as I see it is not the point nor was it ever. If you look at the vintage photos you will notice that many of them are taken at Highland Games in Scotland, so no this really is not daily wear at all. I must say though that this look is no more out of place than the kilted re-enactors that you see at various Highland Games from Jacobite garb and Great Kilts with Claymores to the uniform of the Fraser Highlanders or the Black Watch re-enactors. This look while not everyones cuppa certainly has it's place as evidenced by the vintage photos cited above.

**English Bloke** · 12th February 09, 10:50 PM

I take your point and stand corrected...

Apologies to you sir. It was not your fly I was biting at

Don't you love this forum though?!

**beloitpiper** · 12th February 09, 11:10 PM

I like it. The first picture looks great. Over the summer, I'd carry a blanket on my shoulder like that at night if we went camping or somewhere outdoors...it can get cold and dewy!

**slohairt** · 13th February 09, 07:14 AM

I don't mind the look at all, but it does look a bit cumbersome. However, if one had a day plaid made from 13 oz. fabric that matched their 13 oz. kilt, it wouldn't be nearly as bulky as a blanket.

**turpin** · 13th February 09, 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

Bit like flat caps and white socks I suppose... each to their own.

Oh, well struck sir!

**McMurdo** · 13th February 09, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by slohairt

I don't mind the look at all, but it does look a bit cumbersome. However, if one had a day plaid made from 13 oz. fabric that matched their 13 oz. kilt, it wouldn't be nearly as bulky as a blanket.

That would be 16oz wool

**caig** · 13th February 09, 07:47 AM

The second pic is of my Clan Chief and his first wife Frances who was a renowned beauty and fashion leader in her day. I think they make a good Scottish couple at the Braemar Gathering.

However, I do think that the laird's plaid should be just that; on anybody else it is pretentious and most inappropriate. No offence intended.

**McMurdo** · 13th February 09, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by acaig

The second pic is of my Clan Chief and his first wife Frances who was a renowned beauty and fashion leader in her day. I think they make a good Scottish couple at the Braemar Gathering.

However, I do think that the laird's plaid should be just that; on anybody else it is pretentious and most inappropriate. No offence intended.

None taken
As I've said I just wanted to try my hand at the look as it has been discussed over the past few weeks. I went out last night for dinner with my brother and wore my Inverness Cape instead.

**puffer** · 13th February 09, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

John
I thought as we have been discussing the Lairds Plaid over the past few weeks, with photographic examples by Puffer, that I would try the look myself. Will I wear this on a daily or even monthly basis? No, as you, I find the look just a bit theatrical. However I'm glad I tried it as it is, to my eye a good look albeit somewhat old fashioned and a bit over the top so to speak as you say in this day and age.

I may try something like this again if my Inverness Cape was missing and all I had was a tartan blanket. This is simply an attempt by me to try my hand at a particular style of Highland Dress, it may not have it's place in everyday wear but that as I see it is not the point nor was it ever. If you look at the vintage photos you will notice that many of them are taken at Highland Games in Scotland, so no this really is not daily wear at all. I must say though that this look is no more out of place than the kilted re-enactors that you see at various Highland Games from Jacobite garb and Great Kilts with Claymores to the uniform of the Fraser Highlanders or the Black Watch re-enactors. This look while not everyones cuppa certainly has it's place as evidenced by the vintage photos cited above.

GENTLEMEN, Since I seem to be the one to have "SPARKED INTEREST" In wearing the "LAIRD's PLAID", I would respectively like to make a couple of comments.

1 McMurdo, I APPLAUD your willingness to "try" the "LOOK"

2. Comments on the following "concepts "
A. It was not "daily wear" . Depends on the definition of "daily wear. Yes it worn @ "Highland games" BUT ALSO regularly worn @ other "EVENTS" Parades, Reviews,Horse Races,Parties, Funerals, etc (see the 1st pic you posted ) It was worn as a part of ATTIRE" ( your 3rd picture) It was worn for strolling, picnics, Family outings, hunting ETC)
PURSUE here. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...316/index.html

B. THEATRICAL. IMHO, it depends on who & why it is being worn. If it is worn to "POSE" then it can be, but then again, this would apply to ANY "LOOK". BUT if it worn as a PRACTICAL & regular "accessory" then NO!!

C. Why I often choose the "PLAID" over my Inerness Cape.
Example yesterday. It was a sunny but CHILLY Day (40s). My schedule was, a 4 mile walk (to & from) "Down town". Include a meeting with a county commissioner, some "casual shopping", & lunch. Why I choose the "Plaid" over the "Cape" = MORE PRACTICAL.(IMHO) Less "cumbersome. But MAINLY, because I was in & out, (meeting, stores,Pub.) "Doffing the "cape = what to do with it ? Doffing the "Plaid" = over my arm,folded beside me etc.

YOU ARE CORRECT, the "LAID's PLAID" is NOT for everyone. But I am pleased to see that it is being considered. The choice to wear or not to wear is up to who, what & where, IMHO.

Respectively
PUFFER