Scotland faction thread

**Lifthrasir** · November 07, 2016, 08:20 AM

Rìoghachd na h-Alba

Scoti or Scotti was a name used by Late Roman authors to describe the Gaels.

An early use of the word can be found in the NominaProvinciarumOmnium (Names of All the Provinces), which dates to about 312 AD. This is a short list of the names and provinces of the Roman Empire. At the end of this list is a brief list of tribes deemed to be a growing-threat to the Empire, which included the Scoti. There is also a reference to the word in St Prosper’s chronicle of 431 AD where he describes Pope Celestine sending St Palladius to Ireland to preach “ad Scotti in Christum” (“to the Irish who believed in Christ”). Thereafter, periodic raids by Scoti are reported by several later 4th and early 5th century Latin writers, namely Pacatus, AmmianusMarcellinus, Claudian, and the ChronicaGallica of 452 AD. Two references to Scoti have been identified in Greek literature (as Σκόττοι), in the works of Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, writing in the 370s. The fragmentary evidence suggests an intensification of Scoti raiding from the early 360s, culminating in the so-called "barbarian conspiracy" of 367-8, and continuing up to and beyond the end of Roman rule c.410. The location and frequency of attacks by Scoti remain unclear, as do the origin and identity of the Gaelic population-groups who participated in these raids. By the 5th century AD, the Gaelic-Irish kingdom of DálRiata had emerged on the west coast of Scotland. As this Gaelic-Irish kingdom grew in size and influence, the name was applied to all its subjects – hence the modern terms Scot, Scottish and Scotland.

The Scottish roster is one of the worst in game. The vanilla one was based on "Brave Heart" style which is completely inaccurate. For now, I'll focuse on the Highlands, more specifically on their clothes to remove once for all that false idea about tartan and plaid. Later, I hope to be able to give more info about their clans' system and weapony. Note that this is a kind of compilation of various and numerous sources.

Before to start in details, the 1st point to consider is the difference between Lowlands and Highlands:

People from the Scottish Lowlands (including William Wallace and Robert the Bruce) most likely wore clothing in keeping with contemporary fashions in England and France.
For a better understanding, I recommend to read this article on Wikipedia about the Davidian Revolution. Though, it concerns mostly the Lowlands while the Highlands remained on their Clans system still for a while.

The Scottish Highlands were considered a backwater of Europe, and not worth much attention, and consequently there are few descriptions or drawings of what people wore. In addition, few clothing remains have been found. All of this makes reconstructing a workable outfit rather difficult. Even in the later periods, documentation, especially for womens' clothing, is sketchy. At the same time, the Highlands were not absolutely isolated from the clothing trends that affected the rest of Europe, so one does see changes over time -- for example, ca. 1100 sleeves throughout Europe were narrow, and that's what we see in the Rogart Shirt. In the 1500s, wider sleeves were more popular throughout Europe, and one sees a wider sleeve in Irish clothing, too (albeit in a particularly Celtic form).
However, from what little documentation we do have, it seems that the Highland Scots kept fairly close to their Gaelic roots (the Gaels in Scotland originally came from northern Ireland and are not synonymous with the Picts), wearing the two basic components of Gaelic clothing common in Ireland in this same era: the léine and the brat. Additional items of clothing included the inar (also spelled various ways, including ionar), a short jacket, and trews of various length, from full-length trews to something rather like modern shorts, with a length somewhere between the hip and knee.

Various claims have been made for the wearing of the kilt (either the breacan feile or belted plaid, or the feilebeg or short kilt) prior to 1600, but the garments in question are clearly lèines hanging in folds or other such garments. H.F. McClintock, widely considered to be the leading authority on the subject, thoroughly discusses and dismissses the possibility of the kilt being worn prior to the late 1500s in his book Old Highland Dress and Tartans.

1. The Lèine

The term léine, which in modern Gaelic simply means "shirt" or "tunic", originally referred to the main garment worn by Gaels of Ireland and Scotland, both men and women alike. Women wore their léinte (plural of léine) full-length. Men's léinte could be shorter, from mid-thigh to approximately knee-length or longer. McClintock states that the léinte in Ulster and some areas of Scotland was commonly worn only to mid-thigh length -- possibly because they were tucked up into the belt, as can be seen in some of the pictures below. He also cites sources stating that trews were worn by the more well-to-do in winter, and that only the nobles dyed their léinte a saffron color (which practice seems to have been discontinued by the year 1600). Poorer folk sometimes coated their leines in grease as a form of waterproofing.

For additional infomation, have a look here and/or here.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Mc Clintock concede that the lèine was almost always a linen garment, and that the Tain is given to excess in its description. However, it should be noted that the Irish had silks available to them, especially after the appearance of Norse settlements, and that it was likely a status symbol to own as much as possible. Markets in Limerick in the 10th century had silks and silk satins of many colours available, as well as many other rich fabrics. The vast majority of these fabrics would have been used for trim and decoration, not entire garment.

A common term used to describe léinte is gel, which mean "bright". Dunlevy notes the léinte are white or gel which may mean "unbleached" or "natural in hue". McClintocknoted a number of interesting descriptions of the léine in the Tain, such as "white", "yellow", "brown-red" and "striped". General consensus seems to be that white, natural and yellow were probably the most common colors for a léine simply because these hues are easiest to achieve in linen.
Though it is true that linen does not take dye as deeply as other fabrics, it will hold a wide variety of colors, and a well-made léine would have been dyed multiple times as color faded with washing and exposure to sunlight. The Book of Kells illustrates how varied the léine could be: angels and saints alike wears blue, green, purple red and golden léinte. The Virgin Mary wears a pink léine (the color easily achieved with period dyes).

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Sculptures, illustrations and literature all indicate a consistent addition to the léine: trim. Bands of trim can be seen on most every single léine in the Book of Kells, at the hem, the cuffs and the neckline. Dunlevy mentions that as the léine became more fitted, so too it became more ornate. As noted earlier, McClintock mentioned bands of embroidery while describing the Cross of Muiredach. That is not the only sculpture McClintock studied. In fact, the majority of those he examined, like the Cross of the Scriptures at Clonmacnois and the Shrine of St. Moedoc in the National Museum at Dublin, have visible decoration on the garments.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

2. The Brat (cloak)

The most distinctive piece of Gaelic dress may well have been the brat (braught) or the cloak. It showed status, provided protection, gave warmth, and was so important both socially and for practical purposes that most Gaels were never without one. Like the léine, the brat stayed in use throughout the SCA timeframe, changing somewhat in form but never really losing its hallowed place in Gaelic fashion. Dunlevy gives an excellent description of the brat, saying: "The brat was the most colorful, versatile and warmest garment in the early Irish wardrobe. It was four-cornered, roughly rectangular in shape and being of wool was probably treated or ‘fulled’, to a dense finish."

The brat was worn around the shoulders and held in place with a brooch or pin. Some argue for men wearing the brat pinned at one shoulder and women wearing it pinned in the center, over the torso. The Virgin in the Book of Kells seems to disagree, as her brooch is toward the shoulder, while Christ arrested on the Cross of Muirdoch wears his centered. “To each their own” seems the safest bet. The brat sometimes seems to have been draped over the shoulders and the arms casually, if one looks at the many figures in the Book of Kells. It may also have been worn so that the top was thrown back over the shoulders like a small cape, to be used as a hood when the weather turned foul.

3. Coats of Arms

Not especially related to Highlands but that's to keep all info about Scotland together

King of Scotland: for James I (1394-1437) and his son James II (1430-1460) from Stewart (or Stuart) dynasty.

Scottish Marches - 15th century

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Scottish Marches - 15th century

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

To be continued...

**achilles-91** · November 07, 2016, 09:06 AM

Great research. Honestly, I had no idea about this, as I never researched Scots.

Originally Posted by Lifthrasir

...tartan didn't exist during that period. On contrary to what can be seen in Brave Heart movie, tartan wasn't used before the 16th century if I remember correctly...

Cant wait to see units for Scotland.

**Lifthrasir** · November 07, 2016, 12:48 PM

It will come

**j.a.luna** · February 21, 2017, 09:07 AM

Lifth you think add more information about Scotland faction? also for norway? Do you plan to upload some post about new roster of scotland and nordics faction for the new upcoming release?

**Marplatense** · February 23, 2017, 08:51 AM

Excellent info.

**Marplatense** · February 26, 2017, 06:38 AM

See this:

Irishmen, wrote Gerald of Wales in 1188, always carry an axe and are all too ready to use it. This thirteenth-century English representation of a barefoot Irish axeman reflects the view, widely held from the twelfth century onwards, that the Irish, like the Scots and Welsh, went ‘naked’ into battle. Their lack of armour left them so vulnerable to archery that they rarely got close enough to use the dreaded axe.

**MWY** · February 26, 2017, 03:12 PM

@Marplatense: Nice info. but why in the world would somebody fight like that against archers and sworded knights? It's basically suicide. I mean if they wanna fight naked, atleast use a freaking shield and a one hand axe.

**Lifthrasir** · February 27, 2017, 01:30 AM

No exactly true, at least for Scots (Highlanders). Highlanders were usually equipped with a targe, a dirk (Biodag) and 1 hand axe, sometimes with bow as well. When going to battle, they used to drop their Brat on the floor, attached the léine between their legs and round the (large) sleeves around their arms for free movements. They kept that way of fighting at least until the 14th-15th centuries (might even be later, need sources). For sure, they wore the léine until the 16th century (from Fergus Cannan, historian).
Only the "upper class" had armour (light anyway) such as leather or mail. I also found some records about brigandine (Brigantiflis) but apparently not used before the 15th century.

Below a quick description of them at the Battle of Bannockburn (1314):

The body of Highland warriors under the personal command of Robert the Bruce would probably have been armed in much the same way as the rest of the Scots infantry forces. There may, however, have been certain visual features which would have distinguished the so-called ‘wild Irish’. For example, they are more likely to have worn their hair and beards long. The few higher status individuals among them, chieftains and their bodyguards, probably wore quilted aketons or gambesons supplemented with mail, iron helmets and in a few cases, some partial plate leg armour. However, the majority almost certainly did not wear armour of any sort. Most carried the distinctive Highland round shield, which had not yet developed the ornate patterns of decorative tacks and brass plates so closely associated with Highland targes of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The medieval targe could act as companion to a sword, axe or spear.

**Used2BRoz** · February 27, 2017, 05:13 AM

Regarding Scotland in the medieval period. A few points :
1) Economically the country was underdeveloped. Before mid 12th century there were no appreciable urban settlements. Country's economy remained primarily agricultural throughout the period. Exports were almost entirely raw materials. The country lacked any appreciable metal industry until the end of the 15th century. Much of the internal trade was done by barter. Country lacked any decent road networks.
2) Due to lack of finances and lack of a developed metal working industry the country was always going to struggle to field armies equipped with decent armour. Only the wealthiest could afford the best equipment. Lacking a developed money economy also meant that Scotland could rarely sustain a military campaign with a proper army. Equally the English were never able to subjugate the country lacking the manpower to control large areas outside the towns. Garrisons could easily be cut off from supplies and forced to surrender.
3) Accordingly the Scottish roster is going to be rather basic. A small elite of well-armed and armoured nobility. Some retinue troops with basic armour - mail, gambesons, helmets, wooden shields. Some light cavalry = good for raiding, attacking archers but no match for proper armoured cavalry. A number of experienced mercenaries, gallowglasses, "back from service overseas". Large numbers of shield and spear / pike infantry, lacking much in the way of protective armour. Smaller numbers of longbowmen, not as well trained as the english / welsh longbowmen but adequate against unarmoured troops. Some highland infantry - armed with sword or axe with shield, ferocious fighters, but lacking armour. You might find some "Vikings" if they could be pursuaded to join in, as they controlled the islands to the west and north of the mainland in the early part of this period. Scottish towns remained small in the medieval period, at best they could supply a number of spear / pike militia.

**bigdaddy1204** · February 27, 2017, 06:04 AM

I am looking forward to see the revamped Scotland. I think it is time for me to depart the highlands of Persia to make a special visit to Scotland, at the head of a mighty Scottish army. Those Anglo-Norman rulers of England shall be taught a lesson!

I find it very funny, that many people use the movie Braveheart as their image of Scotland... despite the fact that in history, the Scots didn't use face paint, didn't wear kilts at that time, Wallace was a member of the upper class and didn't live in a primitive hut, the Scottish lowland troops would have looked the same as the Anglo-Normans, and many other details of the film (including the year, and basic biographical details of the character, as well as the historical context, are completely wrong.

There was an amusing article, list of historical inaccuracies in Braveheart, which used to exist on Wikipedia. It's gone, but this still gives a good idea https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braveh...cal_inaccuracy In short, just about everything in the film is wrong, apart from the names of some of the characters.

**Used2BRoz** · February 27, 2017, 09:07 PM

Excellent article on Scottish armies in High medieval period - well footnoted :

The Scottish Historical Review
, Volume XCII, 2: No. 235: October 2013, 179–206
DOI: 10.3366/shr.2013.0174
© The Scottish Historical Review Trust 2013
www.euppublishing.com/shr
ALASTAIR J. MACDONALD
Courage, Fear and the Experience of the
Later Medieval Scottish Soldier
ABSTRACT
This article examines aspects of the experience of the later medieval
Scottish soldier, in particular courage, fear and the factors that shaped
these responses. In many respects the story sketched fits into wider
patterns of warriors’ lives elsewhere in Latin Christendom. Similar
influences served to encourage the soldier and the prospect of similar
afflictions might spread fear. There are also particularities in the Scottish
case. The Scots had especially acute problems to overcome, notably
in comparison to their regular enemies, the English, in maintaining
fortitude in armed forces that featured a relatively wide social spread,
with attendant implications for protective equipment and rudimentary
training for the occasional soldiers who usually made up the majority
of the Scottish host. The circumstances of Scotland’s wars with England,
meanwhile, led to greater than usual dangers of captivity, injury and
death, and a greater level of equality of risk across the social spectrum
in Scottish armies. Full-scale battlefield encounters with England brought
the most acute challenges to the collective courage of Scottish soldiers and
it is testament to their severity that even a renowned figure like William
Wallace suffered a failure of resolve when faced with battle at Falkirk
in 1298.

here : http://www.euppublishing.com/doi/pdf.../shr.2013.0174

**Lifthrasir** · February 28, 2017, 01:50 AM

Many thanks Roz. A very interesting document

In adition to your 1st post, some viking mercenaries can be available in early game and limited account. They were still present somehow in some places around at least during the first half of the 12th century. Irish mercenaries can be added (if slots available in EDU) on the same principle but for a longer period (need to do more research for them).
Heavy cavalry was used but as mentioned only by the wealthiest nobles from the Lowlands and in a very limited amount.
All in all, I agree about the roster but there should be actually 2 rosters for Scotland: 1 for Highlands (quite specific) and 1 for Lowlands (quite similar to other basic Western factions), both quite basic and with a limited access to heavy cavalry and very protective armours. On the other hand, this lack should be compensated by the units' skills in fight (especially from the Highlands). Lowlands were basically ( and to keep things simple) more "westernized" due to David I who basically brought the feodal system to Scotland when he became king. It is important to remember that he spent his childhood in the English Court. His sister Mathilde was married to Henri Beauclerc, king of England (if I remember correctly). He's the one who created the "burgs" (or most of them).

About archers, does anyone has information about Ettrick archers? Thanks in advance

**Marplatense** · March 09, 2017, 12:39 PM

Drawing of scottish foot soldier during the reign of Edward I Longshanks.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Glass-Magic-L...8AAOSw8w1X84kV

**Lifthrasir** · March 10, 2017, 06:40 AM

So basically, something like this:

However, with a gambeson, this guy would have been from the upper class

Btw, for those who are interested, here is the link to a document called "High medieval Scottish-Gaelic dress". It's about 90 pages, full of descriptions, references and links. I haven't checked it entirely but seems really good on that topic.

When I say “High Medieval” I think about the year 1200 and the Third Crusade. I think about the murder of Thomas Beckett, William the Lion imprisoned in France, the Battle of the Standard and about the Magna Charta. Because of the scarcity of findings and sources and the slowness of development especially in Scotland in these times the period of this document is 1100 to 1300. We will need some earlier and later sources but we’ll have to use them with precaution.

When I say “Scottish - Gaelic” I think about the Irish immigrants of Scotland. In the discussed period they mixed up with the Pictish people that have been living in central Scotland all the time. I do not think about the Gallway people being British and not Irish by origin, I do not think about Lowlanders being Angles, Saxons and Normans by origin and I do not think about the Gall Gael of the Hebudes being at least partly Norse. I focus on traditional Gaelic inhabitants around Argyll.

When I say “Dress” I think about the optical appearance of men, women and children during daily work and during war - times. I do not think about furniture, houses, tents and I do not think about dishes and tools. It’s just about the seemingly simple question: “How did they look alike?”

**Marplatense** · March 10, 2017, 07:51 AM

Yes, basically the appearance would be that. What strikes me, is the type of hat that carry the two images I uploaded.

Great document. Thanks.

**Lifthrasir** · March 10, 2017, 08:27 AM

I guess that a representation of a medieval hood, considering that the one from Scotts and Irish was slighly different to the one from the other Western kingdoms. But that just my guess

**jurcek1987** · March 10, 2017, 03:56 PM

Well a gambeson doesn't mean he's from upper class, commoners wore it too. But the holstered sword does

**Jurand of Cracow** · March 27, 2017, 05:24 AM

Guys,
can you help me - have a look at this entry and this entry and could you tell me
1) if the names of the provinces in-game are right,
2) what titles should I use for these cities (for the catholic factions, for the rest they'll be generic),
4) what descriptions should be made (see the end of the entry here).

I've got the following list of the settlements for crown of Skandinavia:
Oslo
Bergen
Skara
Sigtuna
Kalmar
Lund
Roskilde
Ribe
Visby

**Lifthrasir** · March 27, 2017, 06:39 AM

That's not really related to Scots but will do my best to answer you shortly

Regarding HRE, I'm on it as well but I've got a few docs to go through before to be able to comment.

**Lifthrasir** · March 28, 2017, 03:36 AM

First post updated with some coat of arms.

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