Clash Of The Tartans
Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 12:00PM Last Saturday morning we walked to the Huntingtower Castle and back, and in chatting with the lady at the gate found out that, "a bunch of Jacobites are coming round this afternoon." We said, "That sounds wonderful. We'll come back with the kids." As we left we both whispered to each other, "What's a Jacobite?"
Wikipedia says:
Jacobitism was (and, to a limited extent, remains) the political movement dedicated to the restoration of the Stuart kings to the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland.
It turns out that this "bunch of Jacobites" were a group called Na Fir Dileas (The Loyal Men). Their forum page says they are a "Jacobite oriented Scottish historical and cultural society whose main aim is to create a greater awareness amongst fellow Scots to their countries history and potential." They were the nicest people. All turned out so splendidly in tartans they designed themselves, and had woven especially for them. How much MUST that have cost! One man told me that his socks alone cost him £120. They dressed the kids in plaid and let Brenna play the bagpipes -- what more could you want from a day at a Scottish castle?
As the Jacobites say, Fear God, Honour the King.
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Owen gets a lesson from Jacobite Bob in fighting.;)
Hey, you can't wear jeans under your kilt!
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You think it Looks stupid? You should have HEARD it!
Reader Comments (10)
Wow! Those are some awesome photos. Brenna you need to do more work to get Ansel in a kilt and in front of the camera.
Eleanor looks adorable and could definitely pass for a true Scot!!!
Talk about really delving into the culture! How cool are you?! What great fun!
I can't believe Brenna didn't know what a Jacobite is after reading the first two or three Outlander books! You all look great. Love be picture of Owen getting his plaide wrapped around him. Did they design their own tartan designs or were they the traditional tartans for their family names? Another very cool experience for all of you.
need a sound file on brenna pic to truly enjoy the experience.
when does a bagpipe actually sound good anyways?
Brenna's a talented musician, but I have to say, if I were on the battlefield 300 years ago and I heard what she was blowin' on those bagpipes coming toward me I would have either died laughing or thrown down my sword and run in terror. A win for the Scots either way.
I'm sorry I didn't get the recording.
Owen you look bold! Ella you simply look pretty as a picture! Brenna, that picture of you is positively priceless! It makes my top 5 so far. It really sums up the kind of family you all are, just get in there and experience life!...grab hold of it with both hands! Bob, you are conspicuously absent; We want to see you, too!
I have heard it said that people either think that bagpipes sound like angels singing or a wounded animal dying. Being a descendant of clans Wallis, Munro & McKillop I am a firm believer in the former. I am sure you made the angels sing Brenna. Did you know that bagpipes were (maybe still are) banned from the English Parliament because they were considered weapons as they were used to drive the Scottish warriors into a frenzy. I'm sure you could do it without the pipes Brenna. And for Owen that is way more than any true Scots would wear under the kilt.
As the secretary of the group Na Fir Dileas. I Thank you for your kind words about us. It was our pleasure to meet with you both and your delightful children.
Outstanding photos and a pleasure to meet such a lovely family