Blog

By Jennifer McAdam 07 Jan, 2019
Whilst we all acknowledge that the groom is the man of the hour, but just like every superhero needs their sidekick, every groom needs their best man! The role of best man is a great honour, and you will forever be remembered as a part of the biggest day in the grooms life; no pressure there then!
By Jennifer McAdam 17 Dec, 2018
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and synonymous with the celebration of the New Year, in the Scottish manner It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year’s Day, and in some cases right through to the 2nd January – Scottish Bank Holiday. The accurate origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances. Customs vary throughout Scotland, and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with special attention given to the first-foot - the first guest of the new year. This custom starts immediately after midnight, and involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour and often involves the giving of a symbolic gift, and is intended to bring all kinds of luck to the household. Food and drink are then given to the guests and celebrations may goon throughout the early hours of the morning or well into the next day. However, modern days see people visiting their friends and neighbours well into the middle of January.
By Jennifer McAdam 12 Nov, 2018
All over the world the kilt evokes emotion and interest more so than any other form of dress, it is therefore important to ensure you are properly dressed. One of the great beauties of highland dress is that fashions come and go but with a kilt you will always have an outfit that will never date, last a lifetime and is adaptable for any occasion the world over. To go with your kilt or tartan trousers, you'll need a jacket. There are many styles, fabrics, colours and specialist jackets available today, however the most popular that are available in hire and that most people purchase are : Bonnie Prince Charlie, Argyle and Tweed.
By Jennifer McAdam 01 Oct, 2018
Hand-fasting is an ancient tradition dating back to the Celts and is now experiencing a comeback at weddings across the globe. The history and tradition of hand-fasting is as varied as the source from which you research it. Here we explain a little of the origin of the ceremony and also a suggestion on incorporating it into your wedding today.
By Jennifer McAdam 20 Sep, 2018
A description of the history of the Australian National Tartan, its colours and thread count.
By Jennifer McAdam 18 Sep, 2018
Its all about the look of the back of your kilt
By Jennifer McAdam 20 Aug, 2018
Choosing a tartan is usually the first step in arranging outfits for your wedding or function, but it’s not always easy. Clan or Generic, Modern or Ancient here we explain the differences.
By Jennifer McAdam 09 Aug, 2018
Highland dress is one of the most distinctive and attractive national costumes in the world and has survived the passing of centuries with consummate ease. The basic elements of Highland dress - the kilt and sporran - have changed very little in over 300 years. Its just as likely to be seen today on Royalty, New York's Avenue or Sydney Harbour foreshore. Scotland only has a population of around 5 million so it is incredible that their cultural influence has had such far reaching effects. Today, many people worldwide bask in the warmth of their Scottish Ancestry. The kilt is a billboard that distinctly proclaims - "I'm a Scot" or perhaps "my great-granny was a Scot!" For whatever reason you chose to wear a kilt there is more than a little romance around a man in full Scottish regalia. If your groomsmen aren't as keen, let them wear suits, and don't think it detracts from you wearing a kilt, after all. its your wedding, and you are honoring your ancestry

Fly Plaid

Jennifer McAdam • Dec 03, 2018

What is a Tartan Shoulder Plaid?

Tartan Shoulder Plaid

What is a Tartan Shoulder Plaid?

A Shoulder Plaid is a piece of cloth draped over the wearers shoulder which can add a flash of grandeur to your Highland Outfit. Also known as a fly plaid, it generally measures approx. 1.5m x 1m and has fringed edges all around.

A Shoulder Plaid can be worn at formal occasions when you are looking to stand out from the crowd. Often the Groom will add one to his Highland Outfit to make himself known on his special day! Tartan Shoulder Plaids are usually made in the matching tartan to the wearers Kilt. Plaids are also worn by Piper’s and members of Pipe bands.

Great Kilt

The origin of the Shoulder Plaid

The Shoulder Plaid is a modern interpretation of the traditional ‘Great Kilt’. Historically the Great Kilt was a large piece of cloth that wrapped around the whole body and draped over the shoulder of the wearer. As the modern Kilt was developed, the cloth over the shoulder was lost. A Fly Plaid brings back this traditional look, while providing a more comfortable experience for the wearer.

Other uses for the Shoulder Plaid

The Plaid can serve other functions after wearing. Once photos have been taken wearing the Plaid it can be taken off and used as a table runner, table cover etc. to add a tartan touch to your surroundings. It can also be given to the bride to use as a stole for warmth on a cool evening. Long after the wedding or function, there are many uses for the plaid in your home and life. The stitching holding the gathering in the corner can be undone, giving you a piece of fabric approx. 1m x 1.5m, usually in lightweight pure wool. It can be used as a lap rug for warmth on the lounge, a small travel rug for the car, or for train travel. One of the most lovely uses would be to welcome a new baby to the clan, by using it to bring your new baby out of hospital or on their christening day. These are just a couple of uses for your Tartan Shoulder Plaid after your wedding.


 Red Shoulder Plaid

Plaid Brooches

Plaid Brooches are usually pinned through the plaid and into the jacket lapel to hold the plaid in place and add some silverware to the wearers outfit. Plaid brooches come in a variety of styles and designs, they can be generic or clan crested, and some incorporate coloured stones to compliment or contrast to the tartan plaid.

Australia Wide Kilt Hire

How a Shoulder Plaid should be Worn

The Shoulder Plaid is easy to wear. The stitched edge should pass through the left shoulder epaulette of the wearers jacket. This end can be fastened to the front of the jacket with a Plaid Brooch or a Simple Pin

Blue Tartan

Australia Wide kilt hire has plaids to hire that match most of our generic tartans and can also have them made to purchase in any tartan you would like to match. We also have a range of Plaid Brooches to compliment your plaid.


By Jennifer McAdam 07 Jan, 2019
Whilst we all acknowledge that the groom is the man of the hour, but just like every superhero needs their sidekick, every groom needs their best man! The role of best man is a great honour, and you will forever be remembered as a part of the biggest day in the grooms life; no pressure there then!
By Jennifer McAdam 17 Dec, 2018
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and synonymous with the celebration of the New Year, in the Scottish manner It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year’s Day, and in some cases right through to the 2nd January – Scottish Bank Holiday. The accurate origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances. Customs vary throughout Scotland, and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with special attention given to the first-foot - the first guest of the new year. This custom starts immediately after midnight, and involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour and often involves the giving of a symbolic gift, and is intended to bring all kinds of luck to the household. Food and drink are then given to the guests and celebrations may goon throughout the early hours of the morning or well into the next day. However, modern days see people visiting their friends and neighbours well into the middle of January.
By Jennifer McAdam 12 Nov, 2018
All over the world the kilt evokes emotion and interest more so than any other form of dress, it is therefore important to ensure you are properly dressed. One of the great beauties of highland dress is that fashions come and go but with a kilt you will always have an outfit that will never date, last a lifetime and is adaptable for any occasion the world over. To go with your kilt or tartan trousers, you'll need a jacket. There are many styles, fabrics, colours and specialist jackets available today, however the most popular that are available in hire and that most people purchase are : Bonnie Prince Charlie, Argyle and Tweed.
More Posts
Share by: