Kilt Pins & Rosettes

[Drum Major]

The kilt pin is relatively recent. A Scottish regiment was sent to work on the docks. The Colonel's lady went down to see the men working and found they were working aloft. She gazed up and to shock and horror found that everything was in working order. She returned to her husband and expressed her concerns. The Colonel then issued the instruction that when the men are aloft they are to pin the kilt together between the legs. Soldiers being soldiers came back with 'that fine for officers to give these instructions but what are we to do with the pin when we are not aloft?' They were instructed to keep it pinned to the right side of the kilt front panel.

Queen Victoria visited the regiment some time later. When she noticed the pin she inquired its purpose. The Colonel was discreet and did Not say 'so you don't see a soldiers hairy a..... and b...... when they go aloft' but rather 'to protect the soldiers modesty ma'am'.

Queen Victoria visited another regiment on a windy day where she saw a young soldier trying to stop his kilt blowing around. The Queen was concerned for his modesty so she issued an instruction that all military kilts are to have a means of fastening.

Thus all ranks below substantive (confirmed in rank) sergeant wear a kilt pin. Officers, Warrant Officers, Colour Sergeants, Staff Sergeants & substantive Sergeants wear two (2) rosettes on their kilt. They know where the pin came from and they did not go aloft.

Rosettes may be red, green or tartan. The rosette is formed from a bow with the ends of the bow meeting to form a circle or as a distinct bow. The tails of the bottom bow/rosette are level with the hem/selvage edge of the kilt and the points of the tails of the upper bow/rosette overlap the bottom bow/rosette.

Some regiments Offrs, WOs & Sgts wear a kilt panel fixed to the edge of the kilt front flap. It is an embroidered piece of cloth on which the rosettes are fixed. When a panel is worn then two (2) miniature rosettes are fastened to the 3rd or 5th pleat in accordance with regimental custom.

Kilt pins have become a piece of fashion jewellery worn on civilian kilts. Military kilts maintain the tradition.

[KenB]

Interesting but perhaps not entirely factual. I'd like to see the authority that describes what you you describe in your post regards, kilt pins, etc.. Some of what you write appears "too story-ish" to be fully accurate.

[OC Richard]

Whether the Queen Victoria story is factual or not, it's true that the various kilted Highland regiments of Scotland had various fastening methods:

The Black Watch: Sergeants and above had a pair of grass-green bows (called 'rosettes' in the regiment, though not rosettes by definition)



The Gordon Highlanders: a plain blanket pin



The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders: Sergeants and above: panel with embroidery and a pair of bows mounted on rosettes, with another, smaller pair on one of the rear pleats

[Thomas H]

That is all wonderful information , would it be thought OK to or not ? For me to wear rosettes on my kilt not being military? They look like a nice addition to the kilt.

[Thomas H]

does any one wear Rosettes on their kilts ? now days like at a highland game ? or in everyday life ?
Just wondering , before I go wearing them too , wanted to get the forums thought on them .
thank you

[MacCathmhaoil]

As I understand it the ribbons, rosettes and bows and the right to wear them were often awarded to regiments as a sign of recognition for deeds done. Personally I would not wear them unless I was, or had been, a member of the regiment that was the recipient of the honour. Really no different than a regimental tie or a Seal's trident pin, if you ain't earned it..... That is my opinion and I may be in the wrong but I'm not one for overly "costumey" decoration or militarization of civilian dress especially by those not so entitled.

[Thomas H]

As I understand it the ribbons, rosettes and bows and the right to wear them were often awarded to regiments as a sign of recognition for deeds done. Personally I would not wear them unless I was, or had been, a member of the regiment that was the recipient of the honour. Really no different than a regimental tie or a Seal's trident pin, if you ain't earned it..... That is my opinion and I may be in the wrong but I'm not one for overly "costumey" decoration or militarization of civilian dress especially by those not so entitled.

Good Answer Sir , well said thank you