Army pipers uniform, RRS (part 2)

[OC Richard]

Very cool to see so much detail.

There are definitely some things that leap out as odd to me.

One is the revival of the old 1970s MOD short (14") horsehair sporrans, with the clumsy-looking chrome cantles, for the drummers of 2, 3, and 4 SCOTS. Why? The generic RRS sporrans worn by the drummers of 7SCOTS look much better.

Another is that the use of standard 20th century civilian crossbelt, waistbelt, and cantle hardware:

Pattern #355 crossbelt hardware: PM and Pipers of 1SCOTS
Pattern #102 crossbelt and waistbelt hardware: PM 3SCOTS
Cast Top thistle sporran cantle: Pipers 1SCOTS

Also interesting that 7SCOTS' pipers use the old crossbelt hardware worn by pipers of the Cameron Highlanders since the 1840s, and retained by the pipers of 4SCOTS. (There's also a c1900 photo of the PM of the Scottish Rifles wearing that pattern, including a portrait waistbelt buckle.)

I am surprised that they've not yet gone with a generic RRS piper's kit for all the Pipes & Drums. A while back I talked to an RRS piper who told me that that day is surely coming. I do hope that when that day comes they go with Royal Stewart kilts and plaids for the pipers.