Re: Highland Games Participation

[celticjack]

'Tis so, Diane--I have indeed participated in th' events in several Games, most recently th' so-called "Kilted Mile" in th' Games held at Grandfather Mtn. in North Carolina. As an official "patriarch" of th' Clan Lindsey (known for its dancing and its ability to suffer hardship without complainin'--"Endure Fort" is on th' crest), I was nursin' a Macallan's hangover in th' July sun, takin' me ease, when it became apparent that th' Clan Lindsey "ringer"--a fine young runner from UNC--was in even worse condition than I...in fact, had gone t' th' emergency room that morning (silly bairnies! Tryin' t' drink wi' th' men!) Well--I replaced him t' avoid dishonorin' th' Lindsey name! Needless t' say--it wasn't pretty! Years past me prime, with two "roadmap" knees...sweatin' prime single-malt in mid-July, wearin' an ancient hand-woven Lindsey plaid (not th' nifty new light-weights, I'm tellin' ye). What was I wearin' under me kilt? Dunno--but it was sweaty!

Since then, I've made meself scarce until th' border collie competition! At least that's one competition I'll never be in!

[Reds]

Hi celticjack, I've never been to any of the games, but I'm certainly looking forward to going in May of 2000 in New Jersey. I just missed the ones in October. You'll have to let me know if you're ever in my area.

[dclor]

Thank you, Jack. Well, I'm down to a week until the Games here in Tucson. The Games are on Saturday. I wish I had the nerve to go to the Friday night events (I would be by myself). They're having a barbeque, lighting of the torch (I'd love to see that), and then a concert. Everyone thinks I'm such a "brazen hussy" but I really am shy (Don't you DARE, Peteman!). I love to sing and may even see if I can learn some Scottish songs. Oooo, then I can post .wav's too. (Oh, Lord, I heard that multitudinous groan way over here!) I didn't know Lindsey's were Scottish. I had a classmate in school, Michelle Lindsey. How do the different clans decide on what colors and such their plaids are going to be? Does anyone know or is it some unknown tradition? (And again, Jack, thanks ever so much for helping me learn more.) - Diane

[dferg]

Diane

most of the current clan tartans were made up in the Vicorian era, I can't remember where the official register is, but there is one. early tartans were fairly basic, only natural colourings available, but some of them are bright.

Many clans have more than one tartan, often a dress tartan (thats formal, not as in for dresses!) (usually bright and garish) and a hunting (subdued, blues and greens, almost camoflauge in the right landscapes)

the Fergusons only really have one in popular use, the official one (I think its Ferguson of Balquider), so technically its our "dress" tartan. And it is in the colours and style of everyone elses hunting tartans, what does that say about us!

Some are also available with each tartan in either "modern" or "ancient", the only real difference is that the "ancient" ones are done in muted colours which look more weathrered. My own kilt is Ancient Ferguson.

Hope that helps

[This message has been edited by dferg (edited 28 October 1999).]

[eve1102]

hey david it does help. My daughter wants a kilt and the state of georgia has an official tartan. I will have to emai the colors to you. bu it is mostly green. ttfn eve

[dclor]

Thanks ever so much, David! Yes, that does help. I can try to pick this stuff up on the Internet (uh... the little that I get around on it (Peteman, NO!)) but I'd rather learn from the people who actually live there. I don't believe everything I read but do believe my friends so thank you. - Diane

[Willy]

Thanks for that personal account CelticJack, that's pretty funny from an insiders point of view.
Diane, I kknow what you mean, I found a few sites regarding a Register of Tartans but it's fun to learn from those indiginous Scots!

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Di (aka ^..^ ~ Willy)