Locating the Kilt Pin

[jsrnephdoc]

One always reads that the purpose of the kilt pin is to keep the outer apron in place. I've been watching LOTS of Pipe bands while exercising on an indoors stationary bike (hard to do much else when outdoors it's ≥ 105°F in Las Vegas).

When I visit kilt retailer's websites, I always see the bottom of the kilt pin no more than 2-3 inches above the bottom of the kilt itself, but when I look at military pipe bands in Scotland, they're centered mid-way up the front apron.

Is there some significance to that?

[Jock Scot]

There is no right or wrong place to put the kilt pin. Although the military being the military do have a specific place to put their kilt pin . For the civilian non band member, one wears the pin where it suits the individual. However, it is usual and wise to only put the pin through the outer apron.

[Troglodyte]

One always reads that the purpose of the kilt pin is to keep the outer apron in place. I've been watching LOTS of Pipe bands while exercising on an indoors stationary bike (hard to do much else when outdoors it's ≥ 105°F in Las Vegas).

When I visit kilt retailer's websites, I always see the bottom of the kilt pin no more than 2-3 inches above the bottom of the kilt itself, but when I look at military pipe bands in Scotland, they're centered mid-way up the front apron.

Is there some significance to that?

Simple answer, yes.

Different kilted regiments developed their own ideas as to where the pin should be located - the Gordon Highlanders appear to wear theirs high on the thigh as they like the pin positioned to cross the middle horizontal green-and-yellow bar of their sett.

The kilt-pin, it should be remembered, is not used to fasten the outer apron the the inner, but to act as a decorative weight for the lower front corner. Almost any kiltie will tell you how well that works...

Unless you are under regimental constraints or in a band or other uniformed body, you are free to place the pin where you fancy - or go without one. Most people find an agreeable part of the sett to place the pin, anywhere from about two inches up from the bottom and a safe distance in from the fringed edge - where the additional folded-back layers help to support the pin. However, you will see old photos of kilties wearing their pins at an angle in the bottom right corner of the kilt, and there in no reason not to do the same if you fancy.

If your kilt-wearing takes you into long grass and undergrowth, or up onto heather moors, it is probably best to do without the pin, as they have an exceptionally annoying habit of attracting brambles and bracken and other long whippy plants with the idea of recreating the Gordian Knot. Consequently, you are for ever trying to disentangle yourself, and are at risk of ripping the pin out of the kilt.

In practice, placing the pin a few inches above the knee is a good idea, as it prevents an irritating knocking against the knee when in action, like walking or dancing.