| What's in your sporran? | | | | front of the kilt down while doing energetic |
| "Sporan" is the Gaelic word for purse. Although | | | | movements. The kilt actually has a double flap |
| not initially part of Highland Dress, they have | | | | that crosses from left to right, and was first |
| become an integral part of the ensemble. It has | | | | designed to stay down without the help of a |
| made a huge transformation from the small purse | | | | sporran. |
| of deerskin that used to hang at the waist. There | | | | Many ask the question "what's under your kilt?" |
| are now numerous varieties available: Leather | | | | but have you ever asked what's in your sporran? |
| sporrans with decorative cantles and tassels; | | | | For many, it acts as a pocket or a wallet, holding |
| Horsehair for those who like the swish as they | | | | money and car keys, but for some it can hold a |
| march; for the fur lovers, badger, calf, rabbit, | | | | lot more. There are many Scots who carry a |
| muskrat, sealskin, or full mask sporrans. The | | | | small flask of whisky in their sporran. Some pipers |
| possibilities are endless. | | | | carry extra reeds or maintenance items in their |
| There have been some misconceptions about the | | | | sporran- hemp, tape, whatever they may need |
| sporran. Some believed that it was armour for | | | | at a performance or competition. Historically, a |
| the groin. This is commonly confused with the | | | | sporran could carry one's food rations for the |
| studded apron that can be found on the Roman | | | | day. One sporran in the National Museum in |
| sword belt. This Roman belt is occasionally | | | | Edinburgh has a cantle with 4 concealed pistols! |
| referred to as a sporran or a groin guard, but is | | | | So when choosing your sporran, don't only think |
| definitely different than the Scottish Sporran. | | | | about what it looks like, but what you might want |
| Some also believed that a sporran keeps the | | | | to put into it. |