Hey all

I'm in the process of making myself an oak shillelagh/thumping stick.
While I was carving it out, I remembered all the different times I have seen kilted men carrying a stick or cane of some sort, usually coming up about chest height, either plain or carved with a fancy knob or other decoration at the end.
I just haven't read about any mention of them on this forum, so my curiosity is aroused.
I see them mostly carried by leaders of pipe/marching bands, but also see them carried very often by those who are dressed formally in full kilted regalia and also by those who are merely out for a walk while kilted.
My question........Is this an accoutrement with origins from back in the days of carrying swords, dirks and sgian dubhs as neccesary defensive weapons, or do gents carry them as more of an accessory to add a touch of class to their outfit?
Do these canes signify a certain rank or class?
If you carry one of these sticks/canes while kilted, does it go by another name?

thanks
Iain