Kilt Pin or Brooch?

[Malcolm MacWilliam]

In 18th century Highland tradition, we do not wear kilt pins or brooches. Tradition tells us the Queen Victoria story about the kilt pin AND also that kilts were worn above the knee until Vic saw that proverbial kilt fly up. If you look at paintings of Highland chiefs and soldiers of the 18th century and before, the kilts are an inch or so above the knee, although I'm sure some of it was (and is) personal preference. When wearing the feilamor we wear a penanular or we tie the tail up on the left shoulder to a button placed there. We also have no sgian dubhs but always wear a dirk, sporran and often a side knife. The dirk is often worn in front on the right side of the sporran, actually sort of under the right side of the sporan (again, from paintings and practicality to use the dirk)....Ok, more info than what you asked for. So, basically no accessories for 18th century Highlanders, but when doing modern (which I just started a few months ago, thanks to this forum), I have a kilt pin (a yard sale item, believe it or not, beautiful wee sword), my clan badge is on my glen gary, and my regimental badge on my Argyl Jacket. I ENJOY the accessories in doing modern BUT, canna wear the kilt to knee length!! I must wear it above the knee or it doesn't feel right!! Malcolm

[ohneplo]

I collect both Piper's brooches and kilt pins ranging from pre-Victorian examples, Scottish Regimental accessories and modern jewelry examples. Personal preference is a stylized basket hilt broadsword pin for the apron of the kilt and one of the various ornate plaid brooches with a plaid when appropriate. They are great conversation starters but as to the history I'm learning more here than I've ever heard before.

A story from a piper who played during the Crimea had the Pipe Major telling his younger lads to pin it through both layers to "keep you from getting it all tangled atither when we break into a full run (charge)."

Cheers,

Bruce