Sporran

A Sporran is a pouch made of leather or fur that is worn on a chain around the waist on the front of a kilt.

Since the traditional kilt lacks pockets the sporran carries one's keys, money clip, credit cards, identification, and (not uncommonly) a hip-flask. The standard leather sporrans are simple black leather pouches with little adornment. These day sporrans often have three leather tassels and some Celtic knots engraved in the leather.

The dress sporrans are larger than the day variety, and are more ornate. These will have chrome or silver cantles trimming the top of the bag and a fur covered face with coloured tassels. The cantle will contain intricate filigree or etchings of Celtic knots. The top of the cantle will have a set stone, jewel, or emblems such as Saint Andrew, a thistle, Clan or Masonic symbols.

Pipers will often wear the most flamboyant sporrans with long horsehair that swishes from side to side as the piper marches.

When worn properly, the sporran will hang just below the belt, therefore there is much effort made to match the style and design of the sporran with the buckle being worn. The kilt belt buckle can be very ornate, and contain similar motifs to the sporran cantle and the Sgian Dubh.

When playing golf, driving a car, dancing or engaging in any activity where a large pouch might hurt one's genitals, the wearer often turns the sporran and chain around the waist to let it hang off the hip in a more casual position.

External links

• Morrison Sporran Company