Quote Originally Posted by QdBrown View Post
Correct me if I am wrong, but when the Balmoral per say is tied up (not the other bonnets), doesn't that suggest they are married? I remember reading that in one of those early 'How to wear and maintain a Kilt' books.
You've been the victim of another myth invented by those who don't know the facts.

Originally the ribbons were used to adjust the size of the bonnet. Now days they merely "snug it up". As has been pointed out before (by Jock Scot and others) the main reason for tying the ribbons in a bow (or cutting them off) is to prevent them from whipping around in the wind and hitting one (painfully) in the eye.