Proper highland games sporran?

[JolyStNicholas]

At most games I've attended over the years, I have seen sporrans from every
discription. From the very plainest to the most fancy full mask that reach the outer most extreme. Those at Grand Father Mountain were a good example. You have to decide what works for you and the kit you are wearing.

I always wear a plain Black Day sporran.

[Jock Scot]

At most games I've attended over the years, I have seen sporrans from every
discription. From the very plainest to the most fancy full mask that reach the outer most extreme. Those at Grand Father Mountain were a good example. You have to decide what works for you and the kit you are wearing.

I always wear a plain Black Day sporran.

I think a black, or brown day sporran would do nicely, even when piping solo. Those dreadful semi dress things are neither "fish nor fowl".

[Phogfan86]

Seems like most of the competition pipers I've seen have worn leather sporrans with silver/nickel cantles. Maybe that has to do the rules set forth by the local sanctioning body (as mentioned above).

[BobsYourUncle]

Check the rules, follow your heart. Regards...

[EagleJCS]

I might have this all wrong and I am fully open to correction, but it is my belief that many piping competitions stipulate a dress code. I thought that there was an overriding/master/senior (however it's called) piping organisation which governed and set the standard throughout the world.

If that is so, then consulting the organisers would be the best course. If I am wrong then I will go back to sitting and playing quietly in the corner.

Good luck with the competition.

Regards

Chas

You are correct that most competitions have a dress code - usually it just stipulates 'Highland attire'. (I help organize the Glasgow KY Pipe & Drum competition and that's all our entry form states). Some get more specific than others, you'd have to check with the organizers of that particular competition.

There is not a global piping organization, just regional/national (EUSPBA - Eastern United States Pipe Band Association, RSPBA - Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, MWPBA - Mid-West PBA, etc.). The RSPBA is considered one of the leading authorities on piping, music settings, etc. A lot of piping groups look at what they're doing, then follow along within a couple of years, but they don't have charge over competitions around the world. Not every competition is sanctioned by an organizing body, nor has every organizing body agreed on the requirements for assigning levels of proficiency (grade levels), so crossing from one organization to another can be tricky. Most neighboring associations will honor each other's grade levels.

No one's even sure how many pipe bands (or even individual pipers) there are because not every band competes, not everyone publicizes that they play, etc., etc.

In answer to the OP, as a soloist, I would suggest a day sporran (plain leather, black or brown) or one of the leather-with-cantle semi-formal sporrans would probably look less out of place than fur. I haven't seen soloists wearing a formal or semi-formal fur sporran in the daytime. If you're a bandsman, then I'd just wear the band uniform, since you're likely going to need to change into it later anyway.

[Jack Daw]

When I'm piping for competition, I wear a plain, leather military-style sporran. I'm not a member of a pipe band, so I'm cautious about overdressing for competition as I think a piper can also overdress to the point of distraction. For general wear on the grounds during the day, I wear a leather, casual sporran - usually one I've purchased from Craigie's.

[bricelythgoe]

I have a question then (I hope this is not hijacking the thread). What are the purpose of the long horse hair sporrans? When are those traditionally used?

[Dall_Piobaire]

The sporrans you are talking about the, hair sporrans seem to be called piper's sporrans on many occassions. Many of the older photos have pipers wearing them, but those pipers seem also to be either part of a regiment or other band uniform. THey would be full No.1 uniform. As far asa what was really worn before the Victorian marketing rage, I ma really not sure. I have no doubt it was a bit of everything. You would wear what you had and could afford!

Maybe Matt or Brian could pitch in here!

[McMurdo]

Well I met Andrew today, it was great to meet you Andrew. Anyway here is a photo of Andrew and myself at the Fergus Highland Games. I think given the rest of the outfit worn the L&M Dress Sporran was a good choice. I hope Andrew lets us know the results of the competition.

[Stratherrick]

I notice Andrew's Glengarry is being worn with the front 'point' centred over his right eye and not in the middle.

Is that how it should be worn? I've no idea myself, btw.

Slainte

Bruce