The McCulloughs
Kilts
by Elizabeth McCullough
Kilts are a traditional Scottish garment. Members of the same clan did not customarily wear kilts of the same plaid until the mid-1700's. When this tradition became common, the McColloch (McCollough) clan wore the tartan of the MacDougals.
The Highlanders
by Elizabeth McCollough and Brenna Riley
(06/02/98)
History
Some highlanders were pure Celts, and some were Celto-Irish. Other cultures that settled small parts of Scotland were the Romans, the Picts, and the Scandanavians.
The Celts, or ancient Irish, advanced through Europe in the ninth century B.C. They took control of Scotland, Ireland, Gaul, the Iberian peninsula, the Balkans, Asia Minor, northern Italy, Wales, and Britain. Most of the Celts were ousted by the Romans in the first century B.C. and remained only in Scotland and Ireland.
Celts living in Ireland later moved to northern Scotland. These newcomers were dubbed "Irish Scots." They eventually became known as the "Highland Scots." This name came from the area where they lived, the Highlands, so called because the area is notably mountainous.
Appearances
Highlanders were known for their dark looks. Curly, dark brown hair and brown eyes were common. Many highlanders wore two main articles of clothing: the saffron shirt and the kilt. The saffron shirt was a garment made of warm material. The tradition of wearing this type of apparel was passed down from their Celto-Irish ancestors. The shirt usually fell to the knee and was belted to the waist. It was probably called a saffron shirt because saffron was used to dye the material.
The kilt, or tartan plaid, served two purposes. Despite what many people believe, it was not ordinarily an indication of a person's clan. Kilts served as symbols of social rank. The tartan plaid was much bigger than most people believe. In fact, it was about the size of a small blanket and often doubled as a sleeping bag. Like the saffron shirt, the fashion of the kilt was passed down from the early Celto-Irish Scots.
Culture
Fish were plentiful in the numerous rivers of the Highlands. Still, the people of this area preferred eating meat and ate fish rarely. The Highlanders never ate pork. They thought both pigs and the people who raised them were unclean.
These people were known for using a pentatonic, or five-note scale. The notes in this scale correspond with the five sharp/flat (black) keys of a piano octave. The bagpipe is often associated with Scottish music. The Romans brought this instrument to Scotland from the Middle East centuries ago.
The Highland fling, of course, took its name from this area of Scotland. This is a traditional dance usually performed by males. While a man is hopping on his left foot, he uses the other to strike his left ankle. This step is called a "fling," hence the name "Highland fling." His right hand is held on his waist, and his left arm is arched in the air.