Dress
DRESS: Beware the Highland Fashion Police!
So what do you wear to Highland Games? It can be a bit tricky...you might just end up offending someone by incorrect mixing of clan tartan, or an outrageously decorated sporran! Read on below for top to toe directions...
The Hat - the most Scottish options for headgear are the Balmoral and the Glengarry. The Balmoral is a round, brimless, cap, flat on the top with trailing ribbons and a ball called a toolie. The Glengarry is a wedge-shaped cap that is creased lengthwise on the top with trailing ribbons. Black is always a safe colour.
The Kilt - if you are going to wear a kilt, it should be in a knife pleat tartan affiliated to your clan, and around 7 yards in length. You get different versions of tartan for the same clan: lighter versions are worn during the day, and darker ones in the evenings and for formal occasions.
The Sporran - basically a pouch or pocket that sits in front of the kilt for keeping your posessions. They are usually made of brown or black leather and can include fur and silver ornamentation. If you wear a kilt, you'll need one to keep your car keys as kilts have no pockets!
If you are watching the Games during the day, you should wear black, unornamneted belts, sporrans and shoes - black leather and silver ornamentation are usually reserved for evening wear. If you are going to wear a jacket, you should look at getting an Argyll Jacket in tweed for day wear and in black for evening wear. You can also use a traditional Prince Charlie Jacket for formal occasions.
The Accessories - Highland dress is usually accessorised with jewellery and weapons: special Highland hose worn to complement the tartan, a small knife called a Sgian Dubh tucked into the top of the kilt hose, a longer knife called a dirk hung from the kilt belt, and a kilt pin, decorated with a clan crest, is used to pin the kilt.
If you are fascinated by what is worn under the kilt, it is better to ask than peek!