If you want to get ahead, you need to get a hat

Joining the Bonnetmakers of Dundee for their annual dinner, Fiona meets a group of people she can take her hat off to

When you hear an opening address such as the following, you know you are in for an interesting night: “Worthy Deacon, Mr Boxmaster, Deacons, Lord Dean of Guild, past Convenors, Past Deacons, fellow Craftsmembers – and guests…”

And so it is. Since the 16th Century, at least nine trades have promoted their crafts in the city of Dundee.

Among them are the Bakers, Hammermen, Tailors and Fleshers. And while these skills provide vital services, they do not have the romance of the Bonnetmakers.

Yes, if you want to get ahead, get a hat. A hat can transform from ordinary to exotic. Put one on and you can bet your bottom dollar that someone will comment on it.

Hats suggest hope, appreciation and talent. You throw your hat in the ring. You take your hat off to the person you admire. A busy man wears many hats.

Mind, a clueless chap can also talk through his hat. And there is, of course, the mad-as-a-hatter side to all of this…

In general, though, hats say confidence and a willingness to stand out.

And so the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee dinner is a colourful affair. And while tickets to this annual get-together are like hen’s teeth, ceremonial regalia is not in short demand.

The “chain gang” is what they fondly call the great and the good attending the event. Their gold symbols of office are old and they add a ceremonial touch to the proceedings.

Large and heavy, they hang down over the ears and back. Not the chains, that is, but the original Dundee “bunnets”.

Back in the 17th Century a man donned his bonnet when he woke up. He did not take the thing off until he went to bed. Black hats were for the better-off, blue for the working class. Interestingly, the Bonnetmakers was one of the few crafts that allowed women into its ranks.

At the dinner we sing The Auld Hoose and Bonnie Dundee. And I meet professionals like Dr Ronnie Graham and his son, Colin, who’s a lawyer.

These days you don’t actually have to make hats to join the Bonnetmakers. For example, the current head man, or “Deacon”, Neil Coupar, is a lecturer in forensic science.

But to be admitted to the ranks,

A hat can transform from ordinary to exotic. Put one on and bet your bottom dollar someone will comment on it

you do have to be useful and of good character. In short, members must be capable of filling their father’s bunnets…

Which makes me wonder why I am asked to address the gathering. And even more suspect is fellow journalist, Alan Cochrane. This son of Dundee gives a brilliant speech which has them rolling in the aisles.

I wish I could remember his witticisms. But the wine was flowing – almost too fast. It was a great night. If you ever receive an invitation to the event, accept.