Stagging on

**Nervous Jock** · 29th July 07, 10:30 AM

One of my mates sent me this oldish photo from Rememberance Sunday a couple of years ago. Fortunately I've shed a few of the extra pounds I was carrying since then

**cessna152towser** · 29th July 07, 11:45 AM

Looking good.

**oldsoldier** · 29th July 07, 11:55 AM

Is there a significance to the ribbons on the kilt? Just wondering, it looks real nice.

**beloitpiper** · 29th July 07, 12:07 PM

Jock, you were (are?) in the Black Watch? Wonderful uniform!

**pdcorlis** · 29th July 07, 12:11 PM

What a great photo!

**Nervous Jock** · 29th July 07, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by oldsoldier

Is there a significance to the ribbons on the kilt? Just wondering, it looks real nice.

here is the story behind the rosettes OS;

These rosettes are specific to The Black Watch, this one dates back to the 19th century. In those days Regimental Colonels had to purchase uniforms for their soldiers out of their own pockets and much money was spent trying to make their troops look as grand as possible.

In an attempt to save money at one point one Colonel decided thate the overlap in the apron of a kilt was unnecessary and just a waste of material. Fine in principle but embarrassing in public having just purchased a new Regiments worth of kilts the Colonel was somewhat concerned that he was going to have to purchase a further regiments worth of kilts to solve the problem until a young officer in the unit suggested tying the front to the back with some green ribbon hence the rosettes were born. This is the reason the rosettes are somewhat less "grand" than those worn by the Argylls.

The Rosettes are only worn by Officers and SNCO's even though they are "very simple"

**Nervous Jock** · 29th July 07, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

Jock, you were (are?) in the Black Watch? Wonderful uniform!

Thanks, Yes although in one of the Territorial Battalions. The Companies in the Battalion are all associated with their "parent" Battalion, so their rig reflects that unit while Grandfathering rights remain, this will only remain in place for the next 2-3 years though with the formation of the new "Regiment"