I got a Balmoral hat yesterday at the Scottish Festival yesterday. I have a few quest

**Angela Kaye Bodine** · 8th June 14, 06:06 AM

Hi Got a black Balmoral hat .. also got a red feather Hackle ... Well before I could ask questions about the history of it, I had to leave, because my 5 yr old was being a booger lol. I went on Google and found some of my answers, but still got some----- is it ok to wear the red hackle ?---- the ribbons in the back, can they be tied into a bow ? I read somewhere that tied in a bow means you are married, un tied means available..is that true ? Is it just a Scottish saying ? Can I put kilt pins on the ribbon where you would put your crest ? I looked up the history and just want to do the right thing.

**McMurdo** · 8th June 14, 06:20 AM

I hope you did not spend much on the red hackle, I would not wear it, here is a little more about the red hackle http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...watch/bw17.htm

As for the ribbons, I leave mine tied regardless of marital status, the story you are talking about is just that a story. You can put a kilt pin on the ribbon, personally I left mine until I found my clan badge.

**Father Bill** · 8th June 14, 06:23 AM

Good buy, good questions. Here are a few traditional answers:

Tied or untied ribbons means nothing except that it's the way the wearer likes it. It's an urban myth. They don't even tie very well, so cut the d_____ things off. You can then tie them into a bow and sew them on or toss them in the garbage. Otherwise they'll drive you nuts blowing about. Please don't put any pins on them. That would be very non-traditional and weird.

Your hat badge goes over your left eye. You will likely find something there through which to pin it.

Sorry about the hackles - they're traditionally a military item and probably shouldn't traditionally be worn except by the regiments or organizations to which they are assigned. Then again, you live in the US and not many people there will know or care except you since you seem to want to do things "right."

Now I'll stand back and wait for the flood of those who will either validate or excorciate me for sharing this traditional information.

Congratulations on a good purchase, and let's see some pictures!

**Angela Kaye Bodine** · 8th June 14, 09:07 AM

McMurdo, thank u for your answer, didn't spend that much on it, I just liked it because it was a cool red, just thought it was a fancy decoration.. but before I asked I had to leave,because of my son..I did read what u suggested, if I would of known, I wouldn't of.. Will definitely tie the ribbons in the back..Thank you ...Angie

**Angela Kaye Bodine** · 8th June 14, 09:20 AM

Father Bill , thank u as well..I meant the lil ribbon on side of the Balmoral not the long ribbons in the back..the long ribbons I may tie or cut haven't made up my mind lol. So the lil ribbon ( on the side of it ) I can put a kilt pin through it right.. instead of a family crest pin ? I liked your description of those long ribbons in the back and what you would do with them ..lol very good...I don't think you will get any bad feed back .. I thank u for your help as well....Can I pin the Hackle to any of my kilts or would that be even worse ? Its just pretty or any suggestions is cool too.. thank u again ..Angie

**McMurdo** · 8th June 14, 09:27 AM

My suggestion is put the hackle up for sale on ebay or on the forum. As for the kilt pin sure you can but I would say look for something round as it will look better than say a sword kilt pin.

**Peter Crowe** · 8th June 14, 11:21 AM

My advice would be to not use the red hackle, Angie, like McMurdo and Father Bill stated it has particular associations with the Black Watch (3 SCOTS), and the Black Watch of Canada. As to the black ribbon cockade I would leave it bare until you find a badge/clan crest that you like or feel an affinity with. With Navy and Black bonnets I have tried tied ribbons and untied, I prefer them untied if the bonnet came that way but that is entirely a matter of personal choice.

**Father Bill** · 8th June 14, 11:35 AM

Yes, I misunderstood; the ribbon over the left eye is traditionally for a clan crest - round.

**MacRobert's Reply** · 8th June 14, 12:28 PM

Originally the ribbons at the back would have been tied in a bow as a means of adjusting the size. Now they are just for show but best tied if you wear it in windy conditions!