Need advice: run in with Kilt (feather?) Police

[Red Stag]

Without wishing to sound querulous, might I ask you for citations-- other than mere opinion-- for your statements concerning feathers cast as part of a regimental badge being indicative of military rank, and the basis for your contention that the strap and buckle devise used as a clansman's badge is based on the insignia of the Most Noble Order of the Garter?

The bit about the buckle and strap is mentioned in "So you're going to wear the kilt" revised 3rd edition by J. Charles Thompson, beginning on pg. 8. The chapter is a reprint of an article from 1973 and quotes some older books on the subject. Not knowing much of the history of it myself I'm finding it a little difficult to understand it on the first read through. It's late where I am and I'll have to re-read it tomorrow.