The Highlanders Of Scotland

[Andy Proffitt]

It must be remembered also, that these watercolors are of Queen Victoria's retainers. I would hazard that, as they were in the presence of the Monarch on a daily basis, they DID dress as depicted (or some close variation thereof) everyday.

For those who think it was "the finest of the fine for the MacLeay sittings" look at the frame (not included above) of Donald MacBeath and William Duff both Murray of Atholl highlanders.
MacBeath is an obvious military man with uniform coat and medals, white belt cross-belt and sporran strap, a sharp Glengarry, long hair sporran, and plain hose with neat hair and beard.
Quite the opposite, Duff is the plainest (dare I say roughly) dressed of any I have seen. He wears a beaten Balmoral, has a long and unkempt beard, red and white hose, a rumpled waistcoat, an overworked and semi-shapeless gray (canvas?) coat, with NO SPORRAN and holding a fishing rod.
There are also subtle shading differences between their kilts (both Murray of Atholl) with MacBeath's more vibrant and crisp looking, while Duff's kilt looks faded, worn and dirty.

For this group of men I would say this is everyday wear. I would also say, this was everyday wear for men similarly situated. A few of the subjects also have some photos that survive and they present a similar picture to the watercolors.

One of the things I also like is that the individual tastes of the subject and the skills of the different craftsmen come through. Their shoes, hose, jackets, hats and other articles are personal, and not regimented like the "Rules for Highland Dress" today are. They wore the shoes they liked and what the local cobbler or cordwainer produced. They show a personal style.

I'm sure that other men of different status, did have a different "everyday" wear, but that is true anytime. Today in the US there are men wearing made-to-measure flannel suits from Savile Row, men wearing off-the-rack from JC Penny's, men wearing jeans hiking boots and polos typing away on XMarks, and guys wearing a full Dickies outfit. They are different, but its all everyday wear for those individuals.

I for one love the MacLeay watercolors. I like seeing Highland dress where everyone is not wearing the Scottish Waiter Jacket (the PC). Sources for originality and adventure in Highland sartorial matters are much needed. Even the plainest dressed of these subjects (well, maybe not Duff)looks better put together and more interesting than the standard attendee of a Burn's Supper.

[Jock Scot]

Brian K.

...... particularly as the fellow in question, posing, was in the infantry!

[Brian K]

Brian K.

...... particularly as the fellow in question, posing, was in the infantry!

LOL, Jock, all sorts of interesting images spring from that!