What would the kilted highlander take?

**Thunderbolt** · 15th August 08, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by graham_s

the iron plate for cooking on is a girdle, not a griddle.
What a highlander carried would depend on where he was from.
with his plaid, dirk and sghian dhu he has everything he needs to provide shelter for himself. the sporran wold have held a few "possibles". tinderbox, snares possibly needles and thread, whetstone, etc.
food would have been in a separate sack slung on the back.

I can follow that. Where do you get your information from? I'm looking for a book or website, maybe.

Thanks!

T.

**graham_s** · 16th August 08, 02:58 AM

one of my friends is an archeologist who specializes in the dress of the period. She actually was responsible for the outfitting of the film shown at the new Culloden visitor centre.
She is also in charge of dress authenticity for the re-enactment of Bannockburn that is being put on for the 700th anniversary (they are going for full a scale battle with the complete number on each side)

**Thunderbolt** · 16th August 08, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by graham_s

one of my friends is an archeologist who specializes in the dress of the period. She actually was responsible for the outfitting of the film shown at the new Culloden visitor centre.
She is also in charge of dress authenticity for the re-enactment of Bannockburn that is being put on for the 700th anniversary (they are going for full a scale battle with the complete number on each side)

That's fantastic! You have a great resource there.

But, so far in my quest, I haven't found much on the internet. I'm not sure if I can trust the SCA-type websites for 100% correct information, although they might be a good start.

Still looking for more help here. I'm not interested in military garb, although that did have a lot of influence.

Thanks all,

T.

**Brasilikilt** · 16th August 08, 08:32 AM

Thunderbolt

You are really echoing thoughts I have had in my head a thousand times!

Your question is a bit broad because I am left wondering about what this highlander is doing out in the field.
Is he at war? On a cattle raid? Hunting? or traveling somewhere for trade/business purposes? Is he walking, or on a horse?

I think the answer has a lot of variables, but from my own studies I have come up with a basic kit that I think is reasonably accurate: Sgian dubh, Horn spoon, flint and steel kit kept in either a leather pouch or small metal tinder box, drinking cup, whisky flask, clay
pipe/tobacco or snuff box.
A haversack wouldn't be out of the question, but keep in mind that they were mainly used by the military. I was thinking that for myself, I would throw in a loaf of bread, cheese, salt pork, dried meat, oats and probably make a few decent meals of that.

I think that if I was doing a Highlander trek, I would leave my broadsword, targe and dirk at home and opt for my musket, horn and shooting bag.

I've walked around events with all of these things simultaneously (MacRambo?!?!) and came to the conclusion that nobody would want to march, let alone fight with all that stuff strapped on them!!!!

Too bad we don't live closer! Hope this helps

Iain

**Thunderbolt** · 16th August 08, 08:56 AM

Of course, you are correct, Iain.

I should clarify. I'm not interested in the fighting Highlander. As for him, the things to take would be minimal and for fighting. Light and fast. I'm mor interested , I guess, in the 1600-1700's. Not really set on that.

I'm thinking about what he would take for a few days trek or a week, maybe tending cattle, visiting neighboring clans or simply scouting around.

Many of the needed items I have already answered. The Kilt is the most important item, of course. A bonnet (But I have been told that the Highlander went bare-headed mostly!), belt, sporran, sgian dubh, shoes of some sort, oatmeal, shirt or similar item and probably some type of hose. The dirk and/or sword (of whatever type) would probably have been taken if trouble could be expected or better protection needed.

Hmm, firemaking supplies. I haven't given it much thought. Flint and steel? Sure, I can do that.

I see you're in Oregon, Iain. I'm from Washington St. (Eastern Wa.) I miss that PNW weather, esp. this time of year!

T.

**Brasilikilt** · 18th August 08, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by Thunderbolt

Hmm, firemaking supplies. I haven't given it much thought. Flint and steel? Sure, I can do that.

I see you're in Oregon, Iain. I'm from Washington St. (Eastern Wa.) I miss that PNW weather, esp. this time of year!

T.

It's funny you mention the weather.
After a heatwave of several days, we are getting that familiar slow drizzle and thunder!
Excellent weather for a great kilt I might add.

For your interest, here's my "strike-a-light" kit.
The brass box itself is questionable for it's time frame and location, but I read and was told by more than a few that it was produced by the Hudson's Bay Company as early as the 1690's for trade in the new world (to me 1790 seems more like it). As for the likelihood of any being used by our clansmen in mid 18th century Scotland...I can only speculate.

I simply like it for the sake of "historical gadgetry"-the lid-mounted burning lens.

It's hard to go wrong with this setup

I wear 2 belts with my great kilt, one to hold the kilt together and the other to hang my sporran and dirk. This allows you to drop your gear without having to completely disrobe.

As for weapons....I think a stout oak or ash staff (paired with your dirk) would be quite appropriate as it is very useful for herding cattle, negotiating rough terrain and keeping un-friendlies at a distance.

I love talking about historical kit.....please keep it coming!

Take care

Iain

**Nick the DSM** · 18th August 08, 10:22 AM

probably like a boy scout but maybe less equipment...

**Donnie** · 27th September 08, 06:13 PM

You're stirrin me blood boys, I've backpacked a bit in the mountains here, but, this thread is stirring my need to test my skills. I may have to start collecting a kit also.

**Sir William** · 2nd October 08, 11:52 AM

I'm a member of a living history group that portrays the Jacobite forces of Prince Charlie in 1745-46. Two of our members wrote papers on what provisions were provided to the Jacobite Army in 1745 which may be of some interest to the topic under discussion here.

One of the authors mentions that "ground oats mixed with water while on the march was a reflection of ancient usage." Also, that "gastric heartburn caused by undercooked oatmeal was a widespread complaint by the common folk" in the 1730s. Their diet was also supplemented by small herds of cattle, sheep and goats (and I would assume the occasional deer).

However, the Clanmen in Army on the march received oats, beef and bread, and occasionally cheese. He mentions that the army made oat bannocks on flat rocks and cooked beef on green wood spits. Bread was purchased from local bakers.

However, in a list of food and cooking equipment for the Appin Regiment in Edinburgh in 1745, the Clansmen were provided with beef, oats or meal, bread, cheese and butter, kale and onions, and Ale. For cooking, pots and kettles (for cooking and boiling) were listed, as were "Girdles and Bannock Spades for ye Oaten Cakes." General Murray instructed that linen haversacks be made so the men could carry a peck of oatmeal (a peck of meal weighing 9 pounds). I'm not sure a haversack would hold 9 pounds of meal (and it would certainly be a pain to carry), but that is what Murray wrote in a letter to his brother, the Duke of Atholl, on 7 September 1745 from Perth.

The officers, on the other hand, ate much better - much as any gentleman in England or France would eat and beef, mutton, veal, pork, and poultry were all listed, both fresh and cured/smoked, include tongue and sausage. Also listed were fish, eggs, cheese, butter, bread, fruits and vegetables, and various spirits (brandy, ale, rum, wine, etc)

Granted, this is for an army, not an individual Highlander, but it does provide some insight into what foods were available.

I've read elsewhere, but can't put my finger on it, that the Highlander would tuck a small bag of oatmeal in his plaid or sporran, or might even take a small bag of provisions slung over his shoulder, when on the move.

Speaking only for myself, I would probably take little more than a bag of oatmeal and perhaps a bit of cheese for my provisions on a Highlander-themed trek. It wouldn't be eating high on the hog, but it would be historically correct. The oatmeal could either be made into porridge (even cold if necessary) or oatcakes.

**Thunderbolt** · 9th October 08, 07:08 AM

I'm wondering, what kind of edible plants and such they might have used? I know there's a lot of berrys that may have been eaten, as well as used for dyes. I would guess that they would be used more as an occasional treat rather than a staple, although I guess one could dry them by the hearth or sun, if it were out long enough!

T.