Badges, or topping your bonnet questions.

**Bo Smith** · 1st September 13, 03:27 PM

I am relatively new to highland attire and wearing the kilt. A couple of years ago I bought a Mackie balmoral for highland wear. After "Jocking" it properly I began wearing it to outdoor events. Here's a pic of me with a prominent Utah Stuart at the Payson Utah Games (we were casual because it was hot in Payson that day):

I'm looking for a distinctive badge for that bonnet. Something vintage, maybe; but definitely something with panache to put on top of that bonnet.

Any constructive advice is welcome.

-Bo

**piperdbh** · 1st September 13, 03:32 PM

The Scottish Tartans Museum sells clan badges made in sterling silver. I've heard of police/fire personnel wearing their badge, especially if they're retired, on the bonnet. A little sprig of your clan plant tucked into the ribbon can look very nice in lieu of a badge. You might find a brooch at an antique store, or maybe your grandmother passed hers down through the family and you inherited it. There is no rule about what you can wear on your bonnet, unless of course you're subject to military/pipe band regulations.

**Geoff Withnell** · 1st September 13, 05:21 PM

If you served, the emblem of your branch of service, unit patch, or a qualification badge may look well. I have an eagle, globe and anchor, decorated bonnet, one with the Marine Attack Squadron 211, Wake Island Avengers (my war service unit) patch , and one with a set of my combat aircrew wings. If there is a symbol of your profession, the medical caduceus, forex, that might work as well.

**Bo Smith** · 2nd September 13, 06:40 AM

Well, I've never been a part of any military; so that's right out. I have been looking at antique nursing pins (since that's my profession). The only problem I've found is that they're generally not very large. This one's pretty cool, again depending upon how large it is and how well it cleans up:

Keep the ideas coming. This is getting good.

**Father Bill** · 2nd September 13, 08:02 AM

Ah, but were you a nurse in Scotland?

**Bo Smith** · 2nd September 13, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Ah, but were you a nurse in Scotland?

No, but I have investigated that; and my license is about equivalent, having a BSN. I'm certainly not trying to be something I am not. I think it's like police trading patches; and there are lots of folks (nurses) that collect pins from other schools and countries.

**kiltedrennie** · 2nd September 13, 10:16 AM

I think that's an awesome idea. At the moment, my bonnet has my Michigan Renaissance Festival season pass shield on it. I had a Star Trek Engineering Insignia pin until the TSA "lost" it. Once I replace it I'll use it occasionally. One day I'll order a clan badge.

MRF Season Pass.JPG

**Downunder Kilt** · 2nd September 13, 03:36 PM

Follow the link and the badge would make a fine addition to your bonnet
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...p-badge-60764/

**Spartan Tartan** · 3rd September 13, 02:33 AM

Originally Posted by kiltedrennie

I think that's an awesome idea. At the moment, my bonnet has my Michigan Renaissance Festival season pass shield on it. I had a Star Trek Engineering Insignia pin until the TSA "lost" it. Once I replace it I'll use it occasionally. One day I'll order a clan badge.

MRF Season Pass.JPG

That is a creative and smart idea for your season pass!

As to the OP. I am sure you can find a nursing pin/badge if your look around enough. Maybe from your school?