Glengarry refers primarily to a traditional boat-shaped, folded Scottish cap, typically made of thick-milled woollen material. The name is also associated with various geographical locations and a specific Scottish clan, deriving from Glen Garry in the Scottish Highlands.
The Glengarry Cap
Description and Design
The Glengarry cap is characterized by its distinctive shape: it is a brimless, folded cap that stands upright when worn, with a crease running from front to back along the crown. It often features two ribbons, known as "tails," hanging down the back. Historically, these ribbons were functional, used to tie the cap for a snug fit or to keep it folded, though in modern versions they are largely decorative. The cap is typically made of dark blue or black wool, often adorned with a diced band (a checkered pattern of red, white, and black squares) along the lower edge and a badge, known as a cap badge, on the left side.
Origin and History
The Glengarry cap is believed to have originated in the early 19th century and is traditionally associated with Alexander Ranaldson MacDonell of Glengarry (1773–1828), the last traditional chief of the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. MacDonell, a prominent figure in the Scottish Highlands, is credited with popularizing or perhaps even inventing the cap as a distinct form of headwear for his clan members and retainers. It evolved from earlier forms of Scottish bonnets, adapting features like the folded construction and the upright stance.
Military and Civilian Use
The Glengarry quickly gained popularity, particularly among Scottish regiments of the British Army. By the mid-19th century, it had become standard issue for Highland regiments, often worn with their distinctive kilts and tartans. While originally worn by all ranks, its use became more specialized over time, often serving as undress headwear (worn off-duty or for less formal occasions) as opposed to more formal headwear like the feather bonnet. Today, the Glengarry remains an iconic part of the uniform for many Scottish and Commonwealth military units, pipe bands, and traditional Scottish civilian organizations. It is also worn as a civilian fashion accessory, particularly for formal Scottish dress occasions.
Other Uses and Related Concepts
Clan MacDonell of Glengarry
The name "Glengarry" is intrinsically linked to the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, a branch of Clan Donald, historically based in Glen Garry, Inverness-shire, Scotland. The chief of the clan holds the title MacDonell of Glengarry.
Geographical Locations
The name "Glengarry" has been carried by Scottish emigrants around the world, leading to its use in various place names, including:
- Glengarry County, Ontario, Canada: A historic county in Eastern Ontario, known for its strong Scottish heritage.
- Glengarry, Victoria, Australia: A small town and locality in the Gippsland region of Victoria.
- Glengarry, Tasmania, Australia: A locality in the state of Tasmania.
- Glengarry, Western Australia, Australia: A suburb of Perth.
- Glengarry, New Zealand: A rural locality in Southland, on the South Island.
Cultural References
The name "Glengarry" also appears in popular culture, most notably in the title of David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play and subsequent film, Glengarry Glen Ross. In this context, "Glengarry" and "Glen Ross" refer to fictional, highly desirable real estate leads or sales territories, playing on the evocative, somewhat romanticized imagery of the Scottish Highlands, which stands in stark contrast to the cutthroat world of real estate sales depicted in the work. The title does not directly refer to the cap, but rather uses the name for its suggestive qualities.