The Cromartie Fool

Date Added: 14 April 2012 Contributor: Iain Robertson Year: 1731 Picture No: 3110

This is a painting called 'The Cromartie Fool'. Painted in 1731 by Richard Watt, it now hangs in Scotland's National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh.

According to the notes beside the picture it shows a character who carried a torch made from kale each Halloween and was supported by the Laird. Does anyone know any more about this tradition? Any suggestions for a reenactment?

Albums: Paintings and Prints

2 Comments

Are you volunteering then, Iain? There is a slight resemblence ...! Comment left on 14 April 2012 at 11:22 by Jeremy Price

Could this be a connection to the Sandy Wood of St. Regulus fame? Looks like an early version of sprouts. Comment left on 15 April 2012 at 11:05 by Dennis Manson

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