Figure 1.--This unidentified portrait seems to be American. We are not sure about the date, but would guess about the 1870s. The boy wears a cap with his kilr suit that looks somewhat like a Balmoral bonnet--presumably influenced by one. Bur instead of a flouncy Tam-like top, it has more of a flat sailor top. There appears to be a pom on the top. Notice the streamer.

The Balmoral bonnet is one of the two principal types of Higland headwear. We do not yet have any history on the Balmoral. We do not know to what extent it was related to Queen Victoria anf her castle in Scotland. 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. Of course thaere were really no established rules for the headwear worn by boys dressed in late 19th century kilt suits. 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 should 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.

History

The Balmoral bonnet is one of the two principal types of Higland headwear. We do not yet have any history on the Balmoral. We do not know to what extent it was related to Queen Victoria anf her castle in Scotland. The Balmoral, unlike the Glengarry, is of ancient heritage. It is the old broad bonnet common to Highlands and Lowlands for many centuries.

Terminology

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.

Conventions

Tartan Balmorals, like tartan bow ties, should never be worn with a kilt. Of course thaere were really no established rules for the headwear worn by boys dressed in late 19th century kilt suits.

Features

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 should 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.

Tam O'hanter

The Balmoral is similar to a Tam O'Shanter.

Othr Types

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.

Image

A HBC reader writes, "On this page you discuss the boy wearing a 'Balmoral bonnet', but you neglect to mention entirely--the fresco on the pedestal upon which the boy in the picture is leaning. The figure of which seems to be wearing precisely what you speak! I'd just LOVE to capture a picture of that piece of art, should it still exist today."

Uniforms

The Balmoral is widely worn by Highland regiments.

Plain Balmoral

The plain balmoral is worn throughout the Highland regiments. It is made in blue/black wool with a red pom torrie on top. It is worn with a regimental badge or hackle.

Highland general service beret

The Highland general service cap is described as a beret or Tam O'Shanter. I am not sure why it is not called a balmoral. It is As worn throughout the Highland regiments for working dress. It is made in khaki wool with a pom torrie on top and a tartan flash denoting the regiment. It is orn with or without regimental badge or hackle depending the on situation.

Black Watch Highland general service beret

The Black Watch Highland general service cap is referred to as a beret or Tam O'Shanter. I am not surewhy it is not officially called a balmoral. It is of course worn by the fame Black Watch regiment for working dress. It is made in khaki wool with a pom torrie, but no tartan flash. Instead it is worn with a red hackle.