Figure 1.--

There are several types of caps that are destinctive to Scotland. They are commonly refrred to as bonnets. They appeared to have been created as military styles. These Scottish caps were associated with and commonly worn with the kilt, but not exclusively. The modt common were balmorals and glengarys. Boys wearing kilts commonly wear one of those two cap styles. There were also various styles of other caps worn by Scottish boys. One style was the flat cap and may actually have been very common.

Balmoral

The Balmoral bonnet is one of the two principal types of Higland headwear. In Scotland the term "bonnet" is used for men's and boys' headwear and not the usual English sence as headwear for women and children enveloping the hair and tied in place with strings. The other principal Highland headwear is the Glengarry bonnet. Tartan balmorals, like tartan bow ties, should never be worn with a kilt. The Balmoral, unlike the Glengarry, is of ancient heritage. It is the old broad bonnet common to Highlands and Lowlands for many centuries. It may be black, blue, or fawn, with or without diced band, and may have loose flowing ribbons behind, or a knotted bow. The Balmoral bonnet should not be wiorn with the ribbons trailing behind, rather they should be worn at the centre of the back. The average person shoukd not wear eagle feathers in his bonnet. The use of feathers is strictly limited to those whose right to wear them has been established by the Lord Lyon of Scotland. The Balmoral is similar to a Tam O'Shanter. We have noted some caps that appear similar to Balmorals, but do not have floppy beret like tops and instead flat tops. We are not sure what to call this style.

Caubeen

The Caubeen appears to be more of a beret worn at a sharp angle. It apears to have been more of an Irish cap. Caubeens made in a dark green felt worn by the Irish Guards and Rangers.

Flat Cap

Glengarry

The Glengarry bonnet is a blue woolen cap creased through the crown, like today's overseas cap. The Glengarry bonnet is a Highland Scotch cap for men and boys. It has straight almost vertical straight sides and a crease or hollow top sloping to the back, where it is parted and held together by ribbons or strings. It is normally worn with long silk streamers. It is commonly worn by Highlanders as part of military dress or pipe band uniforms. One report suggests that it first appeared in 1805 in Glengarry, Invernesshire, Scotland, but their are various accounts as to its creation. The cap has stiff sides and bound edges, finished with short ribbons hanging in back. The cap is of course associated with Scotland and worn with Highland kilt outfits. We have also noted boys in America, England, and France wearing them starting in the 19th century. Presumably they were also worn in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other British colonies. American boys would wear them with other outfits besides kilts, but they were popular with kiltsuits. The cap was commonly worn throughout the second half of the 19th century, but in the 20th century appears to have been motly worn in Scotland or by boys in Highland garb for special occassions. The Glengarry bonnet is still worn today, primarily as part of ceremonial uniforms like pipe bands.

Tams

We notice some images of Scottish boys wearing tams. They were also worn by girls. We are not sure how common they were or what age boys wore them. We believe that they were worn by younger boys. We have seen both younger and older girls wearing them. There may have been social class connotations. We have limited informatioin at this time. The only image we have is the portrait of a little boy carried by a Scottish officer in World War I.

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Created: February 1, 2003
Last updated: 10:30 PM 9/9/2004