identification of uniform

[rmarsden]

Can anyone identify this pipers regiment?
The back of the photo says 5th vol Batt Black Watch dated 1908.
What about that sporran badge any ideas?

Ron.

[Peter Brydon]

Ron,
Attached is the print of this battalions uniform from Grierson.I cannot make out the sporran badge design on your thumbnail pic.
Ironically the other rank on the Grierson print has his sporran badge partly obscured by his rifle.

P.B.

[rmarsden]

Thanks PB I have the Grierson book,have posted scan of 5th VB BW plaid
brooch the sporran badge is the lion rampant almost identical to the brooch
center.What is confusing me is the brooch the piper is wearing.

[Peter Brydon]

Ron,
I cannot make out the plaid brooch on your original picture, could the centre be a cairngorm stone ?
P.B.

[rmarsden]

PB,
Yes the brooch has a raised cairngorm with claw fittings,see attached scan
of 5thvb note the framed cantles,standard plaid brooches,two tassles on the
sporran.
Ron.

[rivergazer]

Ron and P.B.

Interesting photos. I feel the reason for the differences in the uniforms are due to the transition from Volunteer Battalions to the Territorial Force brought in by Haldane 1907-08.

The sporran on the piper 1908 is an other ranks sporran, Black Watch (Royal Highlander) pattern, though the badge on it is still a Volunteer-type. Therefore, it would appear the uniform on the piper is still transitional.