Quote Originally Posted by camellid View Post
What were they used for way back then?

The Sporran was to put things, right? What did the put in them back then?

The kilt pin? Did they have ant other purpose?

The fly plaid? Was it just used for looks? (Or did they wipe there mouths LOL)

The Sgian Dubhs? Well I know it's a small Knife. Was it there for a reason? (Or there to open a bottle of something or other?)

I guess what I am asking is a small history lesson. I was just wanting to know so if someone ever ask me I would be able to pass it on. Thanks Todd

How "way back when" are you talking...it would seem to me that the only thing in this list that predates the 19th sentury is the sporran...and like already stated it was used very similarily to how it is used to day except for different items..back then a "highlander" would have kept his food (oats mainly) in it as (especially with regards to sporrans that still had the hair on them) where rather water proof and kept the food dry for when he was in the field "droving" or working...or running and hiding...whichever was the case. Of course Gentlemen Highlanders would carry things like their money and such (although a lot of Gentleman Highlanders would have worn Trews...a different form of what trews are today even).
But I digress.....
The Fly Plaid is simply a 19th century fashion item that is supposed to represent the romanticized "great kilt"......the Kilt pin...well, I had never heard the story of the Queen, and always thought it was just a way for those not used to wearing a kilt (when it became popular in the 19th c.) to feel more secure about the kilt not flying up in the wind....but if you think about it, you only pin the outer apron, and if the outer apron blows up..it still leaves the under flap visable....
As far as the sgian dubh is concerned I agree withthe theory that is was a ghillies implement....
My two cents...
Cheers,
Chad