New Social Group: Steel Bonnets

[Sammac]

Clan Scott present!

[Riverkilt]

Another Scott here!

Ron

[EagleJCS]

I make a third Scott!

[Wompet]

Just like both of our ancestors were on opposite sides of the border way back then, so are you and I today Yank. Should I need to worry?

Well, that depends ... do you have any cattle that Glen and I could permanently borrow?

[Rob Wright]

Black Douglas reportin' for duty! Where be the ale?

Rob

[ForresterModern]

Maybe my ignorance, but why are we "Steel Bonnets"? Because of the perpetual ongoing fighting over the borders (needing steel helmets for protection), or am I missing some other allusion?

[Sir William]

Maybe my ignorance, but why are we "Steel Bonnets"? Because of the perpetual ongoing fighting over the borders (needing steel helmets for protection), or am I missing some other allusion?

While I don't have access to the exact quote, steel bonnets refers to the helmets worn by reivers when on a raid or a hot trod (in pursuit of other reivers). Men were supposed to have arms, armor, and horse at instant readiness to protect their lands or pursue any raiders.

I don't think the reivers were called "steel bonnets" in their time but that it is a more recent nickname picked up from George MacDonald Fraser's history of the same name.

[ForresterModern]

Thank you Sir William. I am now slightly smarter than I was when I awoke this morning, although god only knows how long that might last.

I shall wear my "Steel Bonnet" with even greater pride now that I understand its symbolism.

[Kilt_Em_All]

Thank you, Sir William. I suppose I could have just called the group "Borderlanders," but this seemed every bit as appropriate and more interesting at the same time. It's good to see the reivers have so much representation here.

Also, the clan listing in the description isn't meant as a comprehensive list of all the border clans or families. It's more a list of the primary reiving clans, or those clans most closely associated with such activity. Please don't think I'm excluding any families not listed there. You're all welcome to join.

-Elliott

[Rob Wright]

If you haven't, definitely pick up George MacDonald Fraser's book. A great read.

Rob