To completely understand the story of the kilt pin you must first understand how the kilt is worn, it does not matter if you are wearing the great kilt or modern kilt no undergarments are worn in the regimental tradition. (Editorial note: If you insist on wearing something underneath, please make sure it does not show.)

One day Queen Victoria was visiting Balmoral Castle and was inspecting the Gordon Highlanders. A stiff wind was blowing and one young soldier at attention (barely moving even to breathe) was unable to control the flapping of the top layer of his kilt and was exposed to anyone who looked. The Queen noticed how embarrassed the young soldier was and walking over to him she removed a pin from her own dress and pinned the overlap of his kilt. That is the origin of the kilt pin which no kilted Scot would be properly dressed without today.

The kilt pin is worn only on the top layer that is wrapped over the kilt, in can not go through two layers because when taking a step you risk damaging the kilt.