A story goes that before King Oengus II led a Scottish and Pictish army to victory over the English in 832AD, a white cross was seen in the sky, and was taken as evidence of the intervention of Andrew in the Scottish triumph. This is said to be the origin of the Scottish Flag (the saltire) and Andrew being the kingdom’s patron saint. The intricate interlaced knotwork patterns found throughout the culturally Celtic parts of early medieval Britain, represented eternity and the twisting threads of fate.

Alongside tartan, the thistle is perhaps the most identifiable symbol of all things Scottish. The thistle was adopted as the Emblem of Scotland during the rein of Alexander III (1249 – 1286). Legend has it that an Army of King Haakon of Norway, intent on conquering the Scots, landed at the Coast of Largs at night to surprise the sleeping Scottish Clansmen. In order to move more stealthily under the cover of darkness, the Norsemen removed their footwear.

But something else was hiding under the cover of darkness. One of Haakon’s men unfortunately stood on one of these spiny little defenders and shrieked out in pain, alerting the Clansmen of the advancing Norsemen. Needless to say, the Scots won the day.

• Made in Scotland using cast pewter
• Intricate Celtic Knot and Thistle design
• Sturdy and solid construction gives it a good weight
• Measures 4 inches by 2.75 inches and fits any standard kilt measuring 2.25 inches wide