Free U.S. Shipping
A tribute to Scotland’s national beast, this exclusive Unicorn kilt pin combines elegance with wild spirit. Regal yet fierce, it represents freedom bound by honor — the spirit of Scotland itself.
This 4" tall, rugged pewter kilt pin design was drawn exclusively for USA Kilts by Doug Cavanagh at Celtic Hammer Club. The pin was hand cast in pewter and polished to a high shine in the UK. It has 2 straight pins and plunger clasps for a secure connection to your kilt.
The unicorn stands for purity, freedom, and untamed strength. Adopted by Scotland as a national emblem, it symbolizes the courage and tenacity of the people to remain unconquered.
Contrary to some thought, the unicorn does not appear in pre-Christian Celtic mythology. Rather it was imported to the Celtic lands in the Middle Ages.
The earliest documented descriptions of a single-horned creature trace back to ancient Greece, around 400 BCE. The unicorn entered European culture through early Christian interpretations, especially from the 3rd and 4th centuries. A document called Physiologus allegorized the capture of a unicorn by a virgin maiden as a symbol for the Incarnation of Christ.
From the 15th century onwards the unicorn became very popular with the noble classes and appears in numerous heraldic coats of arms as well as decorative arts.
Why does the unicorn appear chained in heraldry?
The Scottish kings wanted in on the act when it came to taming unicorns. Why should virgins have all the fun? Thus the lore was expanded to suggest that anointed kings could also tame the wild and untamable beast. This was symbolized by a golden chain wrapped around its body and neck and came to represent the king's authority.
In the 12th Century, the unicorn was adopted by Scottish royalty as a symbol of power, purity, and independence. King William I was the first to feature it on the Scottish royal coat of arms.
Later, the unicorn was firmly established as Scotland's national animal during the reign of King James III (1437 - 1460), and was featured on gold coins minted during his reign. Prior to the Union of the Crowns, the royal coat of arms featured two unicorns as supporters.
Finally in 1603 King James VI of Scotland inherited the English throne, becoming James I of England. To symbolize the joining of the two nations, he changed the royal coat of arms to include one unicorn and one English lion as supporters.
When the unicorn appears in myth, it represents purity and innocence but at the same time masculinity and power. Its untameable nature symbolizes the proud spirit of Scotland like no other animal.
