Scotland – …on the B.L.

Worth A Read Yes
Length 192
Quick Review Tartan is inextricably linked with Scotland in the minds and hearts of people around the world, but it has a long and not always Scottish story.

I went all out for the Renaissance Faire in Minnesota, but, of course, I brought along a book to match.

I’m a wee bit obsessed with Scotland. I was supposed to go on a month-long trip to explore the cities and countryside in November 2020, but alas a pandemic had other ideas. Until I can make my way across the pond, I’ll be reading and researching all the amazing things Scotland has to offer. In August, I went to the Renaissance Faire with my person and his family. The weekend: Scottish Highlands. I don’t have the money to go all in on the highland theme, but I did buy a tartan shawl and this book, Scottish Tartan and Highland Dress; A Peculiar History by Fiona Macdonald.

History and fashion collide in this teeny book on an iconic cultural and national symbol, which happens to be a fabric with roots going back more than three millennia. I’m such a fan of fun facts, and Macdonald really finds a ton of facts and interesting anecdotes about tartan, reaching all the way back to the oldest known tartan found in Tarim Basin (Northwest China) from 1200 BC.

It would be impossible to talk about tartan without discussing the fundamentals of weaving and/or Scottish history. Macdonald leaves no stone untraced as she broaches subjects ranging from feminist takes, appropriation, erasure, and so much more. Often she doesn’t adequately explain the topics to do them enough justice in the mention, but I like that she tries. The book creates a comprehensive look at tartan and the role it has played in Scottish history, culture, and fashion. Though the writing itself is quite rudimentary, Macdonald utilizes primary and secondary sources to weave the story and includes gaelic words with their meanings for authenticity. There was a real focus on men’s fashion, probably because kilts have an allure, but I think female’s fashion was largely neglected.

This is really a mixed review because the writing is lacking, but the amount of research and information included is quite comprehensive. From lists of tartans commissioned—including Burberry, Lady Boys of Bangkok, Yukon, Hello Kitty, Braveheart (the film), and so, so many more—to stories about royalty decorating castles in tartan to what’s under the kilt to more. Scottish Tartan and Highland Dress is a wonderful place to start for a basic overview, but if you’re wanting something detailed, I would look elsewhere.

Memorable Quotes
“More than ever before, tartan had become a symbol.”

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bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

Title: Scottish Tartan and Highland Dress; A Very Peculiar History
Author: Fiona Macdonald
Publisher: Book House
Copyright: 2012
ISBN: 9781908759894

All the things reminding me of not being in Scotland. | Clanlands | Frommer’s | Lonely Planet

I have had to cancel a lot of really amazing trips this year and so many others went without being planned at all. I’ve been doing my best to stay home, stay safe, mask up, and flatten the curve. It’s not been fun, but it is the right thing to do. I’m also immunocompromised, so it’s the best thing for my personal health.

All that said, having to stay home and not travel has been the worst part of this year for me personally. The hardest trip to postpone was my trip to Scotland. I was going to go in the spring, but then it was pushed to November, and now it’s been pushed until further notice. I’m a bit heartbroken to be honest. I had it all planned, and my soul has been aching to explore Edinburgh and the countryside. I was supposed to be exploring the Highlands right now. Alas, I’m sitting at home in front of a roaring fire surrounded by my six dogs.

My present is not a bad one. I’m complaining but not. I love getting to be with my fuzzy family and enjoying the holidays, but I was so very excited to experience a taste of Scottish holidays.

I bought a couple tour books for Scotland a year ago to prepare because I’m that kind of traveler. I read them both within a week of buying them. I had my whole itinerary planned down to the Airbnbs I would be staying at. I’m not going to tell you all the details because a) I don’t want to bore you with the could have beens but have not happeneds and b) It’s still happening so c) I won’t ruin all the fun for those who want to follow along someday.

When I realized my trip was not going to happen yet again, I decided to buy a sweatshirt from my favorite band, which happens to be very Scottish. Tide Lines is amazing. If you’ve never heard their music, pay more attention to my Instagram stories and go check them out. I love them so much. I also bought Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish’s book Clanlands because I can and I’m adding salt to my wound. I also grabbed a copy of the first edition of the Hidden Scotland magazine.

I’m really hoping 2021 sees a vaccine and an opening of borders. My heart is yearning to walk the streets of UNESCO’s City of Literature, Edinburgh, and find a beautiful coo on the side of the road.

Anyways, I’m done complaining about my sad first world problems. I’m going to go back to reading and not writing reviews about the many, many, too many books I have read and piled in front of my computer as incentive to write reviews.

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Tag: Scotland

Scottish Tartan and Highland Dress by Fiona MacDonald

Postponing My Scotland Trip Due to COVID-19