Quote Originally Posted by davidlpope View Post
Rex,

Despite being an outlander, I agree with your statement. The necessary corollary, though, is that Americans are dependent on Highlanders for "informing our sensibilities" concerning Traditional Highland Civilian Dress (THCD). I'm appreciative of the guidance provided here on XMarks, and covet those rare trips to Scotland, but perhaps some brainstorming for additional ways that the word can be got out is in order...

I did have a question raised when I read this section:



I recall many photos of individuals wearing THCD, in the Highlands, which featured regimental neckties. I understand that one should only wear neckties one "rates"(regiments/ branches of service one has served in), but shouldn't they be considered an acceptable aspect of THCD even if they are not a required aspect of THCD? Please help me to understand the distinction here.

Cordially,

David











I think what Rex was referring to was the (mostly US) custom of wearing regimental ties by those individuals who have no entitlement to the tie; ie: they never served in the regiment.

In the photos you've posted all of the gentlemen have an indisputable entitlement to wear their regimental tie. I doubt that Rex, Jock, or any of the rest of us would have a problem with anyone wearing a striped tie with their kilt-- but wearing a regimental tie... well, that's a stripe of another colour.