The Sporran - part One

The Sporran is now considered an indispensable part of 'the Highland Costume' (I use that word in its taxonomic meaning, not in the sense of 'fancy dress') - but how - and how NOT - do we maintain it?
In this episode I will cover:
- a brief history
- the types of sporrans commonly seen today
- very basic maintenance and cleaning, and
- how to store it, and how NOT to store it.
In the next episode of this series I shall show you how to wash a hair sporran. this will happen when I finally summon the courage to do so.
Here is the reference book* that I refer to in my presentation, which I consider a necessary part of the cultural literacy of every piper, drummer and kiltmaker, and 'recommended reading' to anyone who wears the 'Highland Costume'**, or 'Highland Habit".
* / music-of-the-scottish-...
** there, I've said it again.
you should also check out L&M Highland Outfitters, Tell them that I sent you! www.landmhighland.ca/

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks😊

[@brookeggleston9314]

Well utube, in it's kindness, has finally put this in my feed. Better late than never?!? Anyway, excellent video, chock full of information I did not possess. I hope all is well with you. In November, I had my second battle with COVID. Fortunately, I won! Now, it looks like I have some catching up to do!! Blessings . . .🌊✨👁️🔥👁️✨🐬

[@DavidLudwig255]

Thank you for discussing hair sporrans in such detail. Details in such sometime seem scarce , and this is the most detail I’ve seen regarding them, in video form. I have a relatively new, long goat hair sporran, one that I would wear more often, except I fear the details regarding long term maintenance and care. Cleaning is one aspect that I know little about. Detangling and brushing is another, and even with the softest brushes I can find, something about my technique always seems to lead to shedding.

[@matthewdenty8470]

I bought horse tails to make one and it was curled up in the bag.... I drenched it in beard oil and cream to comb it and it came back pretty well. Now to figure out how to make it lol

[@Piperalpha81]

if you're worried about the inside of the bell discolouring the tassels you could dismantle it, clean the inside, and put a clear coat of nail polish on. That would stop the metal from oxidizing and discolouring the tassels. maybe an automotive clear coat would work i you tape off the outside of the bells

[@matthewdenty7760]

I make the odd one and like leather work...Green soap or diluted vinegar is a option,, mink oil or vegetable oils can help but hardens and oxidize the leathers ... linseed oil will harden the heck out of it if your looking to stiffen it and adds strength but darkens it...hair I use beard oils and shampoos I'm wanting to make one from horse leather that's said to last forever from so much oil in it naturally,,but it's very expensive

[@jamessatterlee]

Those, sir…are some lovely sporrans! Well, most of them anyway 😂

[@TingTingalingy]

This was cool. I'm making one for a wedding and I'm likely using white tail hide. I learn a lot, thank you

[@drakeb6168]

thank you for making this video. I think the one i grabbed is made out of rabbit fur and and your were the one of the first videos i have seen regarding the care of hair based sporrans. Keep things going man, I am also excited for this series.

[@Missbagpipernorthwest]

I’m looking forward to this series! Our pipe band has many of the older horse hair sporrans and we don’t wear them due to their age. Whatever you teach about their care I will be watching closely. I’ve also got some mink and have toyed for many years about getting a genuine leather sporran made out of it. I have no idea who in the States can do it. Any thoughts on that would be appreciated. Thankyou! 🎶

[@ninjaneven4274]

I want to get one made with otter fur

[@jeffweingartner7979]

But isn't the discoloration and the imperfections make it beautiful? The age and the scars and yes some dirt are indicating stories to be shared over a pint? Newbies who have nothing to say have new kit. Old guys with stories and wisdom to share have well taken care of, but worn in kit? Just proposing a thought, not a criticism 😀

[@robertmacdonaldbespokekilt3063]

I agree with you - but then, I can afford to because I no longer have a Sergeant screaming at me for getting my kit into shit-state! But seriously, well-used kit - particularly kit that shows careful repair - has it's own appeal.

[@johnarnold3341]

You, forgot about dinner plate sporrans

[@robertmacdonaldbespokekilt3063]

I do my very level best to not think about 'dinner-plate' sporrans...