Clan Badge

The clan badge is used by clansmen and women to show allegiance to their Clan Chief.

Traditionally in Scotland it embraces the crest belonging to the Chief, normally encircled by a strap-and-buckle.

And the strap-and-buckle invariably displays the Chief's motto.

This custom of using a strap-and-buckle is now well established, but was not always the case, as previously this practice was restricted to heraldic emblems belonging to orders of knighthood.

These badges are often worn on bonnets as part of the Highland Dress, and can also be used to fasten a plaid when worn with the kilt.

And women often wear them to fasten tartan shawls or sashes.

Another popular use for them these days, is as wall decorations, (in fact I have the one belonging to my clan hanging on my bedroom wall).

This is normally done by placing a piece of the clan tartan behind the badge and then mounting it on a plaque.

The badges are normally made from pewter, which can then be polished to give them an appearance of silver.

And if you want something just a little bit special, you can in fact have your badge made from sterling silver, these naturally cost more but many people are happy to pay the extra cost.

The badge can also be used on other kilt accessories such as kilt pins, kilt belt buckles and also your sgian dubh.

I have even seen them being used on cuff links, which could make a welcome Christmas or birthday present.

If you would like any help in finding your particular badge, or any further information on this or any other aspect of kilt wearing, then please drop me a line using the "Contact Us" page, I am always pleased to hear from you.

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