Sgian Dubh

The final touch of any Scottish traditional outfit is the Sguian Dubh.

But what does 'Sgian Dubh' actually mean? 

Well, Sgian (or Skean) is Gaelic for 'knife' and 'dubh' is Gaelic for "black".

Remember good old Dublin? That city was named "Black Lake" back in Gaelic times. 'Dubh-Lin'. 

Now you may be asking "What's the significance of a black knife?"

Well, the ancient Scots (and Irish and Brits) were firm believers in fairy folk. And, according to legend, the only defense against magic was iron. That's right. It had to be iron, otherwise it was helpless against the fairies. And if you wanted a stroll through the glen, you had to take with you a black blade, in case you came across any mischevious magical munchkins who'd want to take you away to their magical world and make you dance for them forever!

Today, the Sgian Dubh is a symbol of purity when at weddings. The groom carries one to make sure no magical tom-foolery interferes with the special sanctity of the vows between man and woman, or in a formal occasion of any sort, to signify that it is special, and worth protecting. Even from imaginary monsters. 

Our special collection comes from Holyrood Highland Kiltwear, a Scottish Heritage Menswear company in Edinburgh, Scotland.