With the creation of the 79th, or as they were called in 1858 "The Highland Guard", was a push for their highland identity. The 79th not only wore Kilts, but Highland jackets and Glengarries. While some used the 1850 Militia sword, others preferred a basket hilt instead. Heres some information on their unique kilt.





The 79th Wore box pleated Cameron of Erracht Kilts. The tartan was to the set, and not the line that is the standard for modern military kilts. The kilts had tartan straps and buckles not leather straps and buckles. Their kilts were lined with twill-weave white cotton. Like most kilts today, the 79th kilts had the fringe on the outer edge. THeir kilts were tall. This was because of the sporran cut out on their jackets.


The kilts only had two of the tartan straps, one on each side. An example of this is beautifully done by Matthew Newsome on his kilts.

The original tartan looks exactly like this modern sample of Cameron of Erracht.

The Cameron of Erracht used was purchased from H. Schulting in Scotland by the regiment. They bought it at $1/yard. For example, on May 24th 1861,
for $1,573.50, the 79th got 1,573 1/2 yards of tartan. They returned 280 yards.

If anyone is interested in learning more about the 79th by all means just let me know!



-Rachel Ford