Forms of the plaid brooch have a rich history dating back around two thousand years ago to the Iron Age in Scotland. These brooches served as clasps for securing plaids, shawls, and cloaks.

The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh proudly houses a remarkable collection of early Scottish plaid brooches, showcasing exquisite Pictish pennannular brooches and annular ring brooches from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Highland Scottish craftsmanship.

The Scottish regimental plaid brooch has long been a part of the Scottish regimental uniform. Originating as a practical element of Highland military attire in the British Army from around 1725, with the establishment of six independent companies raised in 1725.

The distinctive plaid not only added to the visual appearance of Scottish infantry regiments uniforms, but also served a practical purpose as a versatile garment. Initially, the plaid functioned as both a blanket and an overcoat, offering essential protection from the elements for soldiers and their equipment.

In the last two centuries the regimental plaid comprising of double-width regimental tartan, was worn by officers, sergeants, and pipers as part of the full dress uniform. This tradition with regimental pipers continues today. To secure the plaid on the shoulder a plaid brooch is still worn. These take the form of an insignia which charts the history and lineage of the Scottish regiments insignia and or battle honours.

At House of Labhran we also offer a range of new Scottish regimental insignia made by our Scottish regimental silversmith. We handcraft insignia and regimental officers' kilt pins, plaid brooches, sgian dubhs, and accoutrements for serving officers and clients around the world.

Our specialist regimental silversmith also handcrafts Atholl Highlanders, Invercauld Highlanders, and Royal Company of Archers accoutrements for these proud historical companies all crafted in Scotland.

Today we offer a selection of antique, vintage and new hand crafted plaid brooches. To see the current selection please visit the various shop departments.