There are many conventions of this kind, which are thought to be ancient traditions but which have no historic evidence to support them, but it may well be that certain clans adopted ribbon-tying styles that have endured.

I learnt at a young age that the bonnet ribbons tied or trailing was the difference between Highland and Lowland - Highlanders always tied theirs. It is entirely different with Glengarries, as they are made to be always trailing.

Regimental conventions have influenced civilian styles considerably during the latter part of the 20th century, and it is possible that certain Macpherson ex-servicemen retained their regimetal ribbon conventions after returning to civilian life.

Perhaps Clan Macpherson have information on this, if it is a clan tradition.