Kilt Pins

**Graham** · 29th February 04, 05:23 AM

The other day on the parade ground, a group of Highland band members were discussing kilt pins.
Our drum major dropped a bombshell by saying that kilt pins were really for women, not men.

I have difficulty swallowing that one, so what do you all think?
Where did kilt pins come from?

**Kiltedmusiclover** · 29th February 04, 06:20 AM

This is the story of the kilt pin I heard. I’ll admit
I am not sure of its accuracy. While passing one of her guards, Queen Victoria noticed the wind begin to pickup.
It blew so hard at that moment that his kilt was
completely lifted in the front. He was dressed regimental
under his kilt.

Yet being a solider, he was standing at
attention and could not move while she passed.
Queen Victoria proceed to stop her carriage, go to the
young solider and take one of her pins and place it on the
left front side to help weight it down.

Any way that is the story I was told.

Nelson

**David in Maryland** · 29th February 04, 06:27 AM

My kilt pin is a heavy pewter claymore type with the clan crest badge. I say what is more manly that wearing a claymore on your kilt.

**bubba** · 29th February 04, 06:31 AM

I heard that story too, but I kinda think it was invented. I'm sure in the auld days kilt pins were unheard of, but I suspect the primary reason they were adopted was for the Regiments to help the front apron hang straight. That would be in keeping with military thinking concerning uniform appearance and the display of shiney bits of metal

**al' Sporrano** · 29th February 04, 06:31 AM

Hi Graham

Sounds like a load of bull to me. I've never seen a guy in a kilt, in my neck of the woods, without a kilt pin. One was included with my purchase which seems standard.

You don't have to have one, as it serves no practical purpose, but there are so many interesting designs around it would be a shame not to.

Al'

**shillelaghbruises** · 29th February 04, 06:41 AM

I've never used a pin

**Blu (Ontario)** · 29th February 04, 08:17 AM

I have difficulty swallowing that one, so what do you all think?

What a load of horse feathers! A kilt pin is no different than wearing cufflinks or tie-tacks. Sounds like a "gotcha" joke to me.

blu

**highlandtide** · 29th February 04, 09:45 AM

I also wear the Claymore clan crest style. I dare anyone to come up to me and forgo calling my kilt a skirt just to make fun of my kilt pin!

**richardljohnson** · 29th February 04, 01:45 PM

Don't remember where I heard or read it but the old kilts had only 2 straps. One for under apron through slot and one for over apron. The kilt pin was used to secure the front of the 2 strap kilt. With the 3 strap method of securing at hip line the kilt pin was just decoration because the 2nd strap on the over apron would keep it down (along with sporron) in the event of a good wind (well, mostly down!).

Again...personal choice. I don't wear a kilt pin...mainly because I haven't really found one I like enough. I wear the Clan belt and a Clan kilt pin would be overkill.

RLJ-

**Daneel** · 3rd March 04, 04:32 PM

Hi All, I really enjoy kiltpins. In fact I have started to make my own. They are a great way to express what you are feeling or to make a special statement. So far it has proved hard to get kilt pins that are not traditional swords etc. It would be great if a few good designers out there would design and make a pin that reflects the 21 century. I do have the TFCK (21st Century Kilts) pin. See my website for details. It's really heavy and stands upto my kids sitting on it than some of the more trad types.
Happy Kilting
Daneel