Kilt pin

It is common for kilt pins to be decorative, with many featuring clan symbols, national emblems, or native animals and plants.

Contemporary kilt pins often symbolise personal interests, favourite places or they are personalised for the wearer.

Money spent here was also for practical reasons, as if a clansman died, the silver accessories on his dress would cover the cost of a decent burial.

As the 1914 President of the Scottish Society, Loudon MacQueen Douglas pointed out, a "claw brooch" (a popular style, usually made from a grouse foot) is easily caught on a lady's dress while dancing, potentially damaging both the dress and the kilts.

After Queen Victoria introduced the rule that military kilts should have a fastening, The Black Watch chose to use ribbons rather than a pin.