ORGANIZATION
There isn't much of one. Gun-shy about the idea of government only by unanimous vote, and uninterested in forming a recognizable corporate structure, Glencarnoch's Regiment has instead reverted to the tried and true "Benevolent Dictator" model. By the strictest of definitions, the group doesn't really exist; it is, rather, a loosely connected group of people who are all interested in doing the same thing, doing it very well, and who don't mind a perfectly period (though occasionally draconian) form of government. The chief's word is law, and that's that.
The group doesn't own anything, and it never will. All materials or equipment taken to or used at events are the sole possession of the individual owner (in essence, this boils down to "ask before you pick something up and use it")
In a similar vein, the group has no liability for injuries or accidents which may befall you as a participant in military reenacting. At each event, the commander signs a blanket waiver of liability for the group, organizers will likely ask you to sign a waiver of liability, and we probably will, too. That's life in modern America, though...
The group can assist you with kit ideas, clothing patterns, where to get (or how to make) certain items, and in some instances may be able to arrange for loaner equipment or clothing on an extremely limited basis (please remember that all loaned equipment comes out of someone's own personal collection).
It occasionally happens that members are in a situation to carpool to an event. If you wish to share the drive to an event (and some of the drives can last upwards of 15 hours), it is best to ask early and plan well ahead. Expressing interest in an event does not guarantee transportation to that event.
All that said, we're really a pretty good group of people, portraying one of the most interesting and compelling clans in Scottish History. We may be bloodthirsty, and we may be savage, but all in all, we're a whole lot of fun.
KIT REQUIREMENTS: The Basics
ALL MEMBERS:
Eating equipment: (bowls, plates, mugs, spoons) appropriate to the mid-18th century.
Tent and sleeping gear: You must provide for your own sleeping arrangements. Most of the group's events are not juried, so you may use modern conveniences (cots, sleeping bags, long underwear) inside your tent, as long as they are kept from public view. Some sites and events allow modern camping, with the proviso that the modern tents must be broken down and stored out of sight during the day or that modern campers will be relegated to a separate campsite apart from the reenactors.
MEN:
Shirt (linen or cotton) appropriate to the mid-18th century.
What's out: T-shirts, polyester/synthetic modern "kilt shirts," and modern dress shirts with all the buttons ripped off.
Kilt: This may be a belted woolen plaid or, with special permission, a philabeg. Tartan trews may also be worn, or fly-front breeches appropriate to the mid 18th century.
What's out: Obviously modern kilts, plaid flannel bedsheets, modern trousers (including tartan golfing pants)
Waistcoat and Coat: Preferably one of each, but one or the other will do. Waistcoats should be appropriate to the mid-18th century (bearing in mind that Highland waistcoats tended to be shorter than the norm to accommodate the bulk of the belted plaid). Coats should also be of similar time frame.
What's out: Modern vests and coats. Wearing a shirt without waistcoat or coat over it is unacceptable.
Socks and shoes: You will wear something on your feet unless you get express permission to do otherwise. Shoes may be homemade leather brogans or period 18th-century shoes. Hose should be "bag" (sewn) style, and not knitted.
What's out: Moccasins (fringed or otherwise, unless they have been substantially modified to re-create the appearance of a documented period shoe), bedroom slippers, modern leather boots or shoes, modern kilt hose.
Headwear: A woolen bonnet will do nicely (or a dime-store woolen beret with the tab shipped off), with a white cockade and sprig of Scotch Pine attached.
What's Out: Modern Glengarry or Balmoral bonnets, bonnets with diced headbands, tartan or plaid caps or tams.
Weapons: This is largely a matter of personal choice and research. It is suggested that you ask your commander what types of weaponry may be needed within the unit, and work out a plan from there.
What's out: Two-handed claymores!
What's out in general: Blue face paint, modern "Scottish Dress," Clan tartans.
WOMEN:
Chemise (linen or cotton) Appropriate to the mid-18th century.
Petticoats: At least one, preferably two or more. They are dead easy to make and there's no excuse for not having one.
Stays/Jumps: Boned Stays really are the appropriate garment for this time period. Jumps were unboned stays worn mainly by nursing mothers and invalids.
What's out: Unboned "bodices," Elizabethan or Victorian corsets
Jacket or gown: You must wear some type of sleeved garment over your stays, be it jacket, shortgown, bedjacket, or a long gown.
What's out: Sleeveless vests or "bodices," the "Beer Wench" look. If you are going out in your underwear, you'd better have a good reason for it.
Shoes: See the men's section for basic guidelines
Headwear: Your hair must be covered by either a kertch or some kind of cap appropriate to the mid-18th century, OR be styled in an appropriate manner and an appropriate hat worn (dependent upon impression)
What's out: Long, flowing tresses, bangs, bare heads.
What's out in general: Women may not enter the battlefield with the men unless they are presenting themselves as a man (not to be confused with presenting yourself as a woman dressed as a man, which is entirely different and not acceptable). If you wish to go into battle, you must develop a believable and unquestionably male persona to do so.
For more good kit and dress recommendations, go to MacFarlane's Company's guide to Culloden 2001
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