" The Manner of wearing tartan sashes or light scarves had customary significance, even two centuries ago, and whilst the wearing of sashes in any particular manner has so far no legal significance, a due respect for tradition suggests that uniform practice, and implication consistent with custom, is desirable.. .1 " Illustrated above are four different suggestions. All these suggestions and circumstances "are based upon a careful study of old portraits, prints and traditional practice, and bear the authoritative approval of the Lord Lyon King of Arms. .1 "
Illustration above from left to right:
1. Style warn by Cheiftainesses: wives of Clan Chiefs and wives of Colonels of Scottish Regiments wear a sash which may be fuller in size. It it worn over the left shoulder and secured with a brooch on the left shoulder.
2. Style worn by Clanswomen: The sash is worn over the right shoulder across the breast and is secured by a pin or small brooch on the right shoulder.
3. Style worn by ladies who have married out of their Clan: These ladies, who still wish to use their original Clan tartan, wear a sash longer than a Clanswoman's sash (second illustration). It is worn over the right shoulder and secured with a pin and fastened in a large bow on the left hip.
4. Style worn my Scottish Country Dancers: Dancers, or other ladies who wish to keep the front of their dress clear of a sash, wear a style similar to the belted plaid and is really a small arisaid. It is buttoned on the back of the waist, or it's held by a small belt; it is then secured a the right shoulder by a pin or small brooch. The ends fall backwards from the right shoulder and swing at the back of the right arm.
Footnote:
.1
Text and images adapted from diagram
printed in a past
Western Massachusetts Highland Games and Celtic Festival Program
Booklet.
Information about sashes provided to the Western Mass Highland Games and Celtic
Festival by the
Court
of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh, Scotland
(Note: link will take you to an Electric Scotland article about this topic
as, at present,
there is no official website for the Lord Lyons King of Arms).
Scans of original ink-sketches provided with the above article were adapted and used as a basic, underlying framework for the paintings.
Original digital paintings by B. Herrald.
Updated: on June 3, 2003